IP and music: Feel the beat of IP

Every 26th April, the world celebrates Intellectual Property, serving as a reminder of brilliant ideas, inventions, and creative works. From safeguarding innovative patents to protecting catchy trademarks and inspiring copyrights, Intellectual Property encompasses a wide range of assets that ignite progress and fuel prosperity in our ever-evolving, knowledge-based world.

This year, we're celebrating under the theme "IP and music: Feel the beat of IP". It's all about recognizing music as a universal form of creative expression and highlighting how IP rights support a lively and diverse music scene, bringing rhythm and joy to our lives.

This World IP Day, we also honor the creators, inventors, and entrepreneurs who bring us the music that connects us, drives cultural change, and sparks innovation.

Put your knowledge to the test and explore the world of IP in music with this short quiz:

Question 1

Which type of intellectual property safeguards a musician's original song lyrics and melody?

• Patent

• Trade Secret

• Copyright

💡 Answer: Copyright protects original creative works such as songs, lyrics, and melodies. Once these works are fixed in a tangible form (e.g., recorded or written), the creator automatically gains exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, or perform the work.

Question 2

What is the purpose of a musician trademarking their band name or logo?

• To copyright their music

• To prevent unauthorized use and protect their brand identity

• To patent their sound

  
  

🎯 Answer: Trademarks safeguard brand identifiers, such as band names or logos, ensuring that fans can distinguish their favorite artists from imitators. For instance, "The Rolling Stones" have trademarked their iconic tongue logo!

Question 3

What is the role of a patent in music production?

• Patents protect song lyrics

• Patents can protect unique music-making technologies, such as new instruments or audio software

• Patents copyright melodies

  
  

🔧 Answer: Patents encourage innovation in tools that influence how music is produced and experienced. The "Auto-Tune" software, which adjusts vocal pitch, was patented!