intellectual property

N. The general term for intangible property rights which are a result of intellectual effort. Patents, trademarks, designs and copyright are the main intellectual property rights.

Sadly the public domain, the free space within which we can all operate without having to worry about the property rights of others or having to ask permission, is being constantly diminished by privatisation of public spaces and extensions of intellectual property law.

For more information, see the site of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).