This illustration is about the protection of intellectual property. Intellectual property refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, and symbols, names, and images used in commerce. Intellectual property is protected in law by patents ¹, copyright ¹, trademarks ¹, registered trademarks ³, trade names ¹, and service marks ¹. These legal tools enable people to earn recognition or financial benefit from what they invent or create. By striking the right balance between the interests of innovators and the wider public interest, the intellectual property system aims to foster an environment in which creativity and innovation can flourish.