Which type of intellectual property specifically protects inventions and designs?

The correct choice is designed to protect inventions and designs, which are crucial for fostering innovation and encouraging inventors to share their creations while still retaining ownership. A patent grants the inventor exclusive rights to use, sell, or license their invention for a set period, typically 20 years from the filing date, covering inventions ranging from new technologies to unique product designs.

Patents also create a formal framework for the inventor to disclose detailed information about the invention, which can contribute to the body of public knowledge and potentially inspire further innovation. This protection incentivizes research and development by ensuring that inventors can reap the rewards of their labor without the fear of their ideas being copied or used without their permission.

In contrast, copyright protects original works of authorship such as literature, music, and art but does not cover functional inventions. Trade secrets offer protection for confidential business information that provides a competitive edge, while trademarks protect symbols, names, and slogans used to identify goods or services and distinguish them from others. Each type of intellectual property serves a specific purpose, but patents are uniquely suited for safeguarding technological and design advancements.