# Intellectual Property (IP) Basics
One-sentence definition: Legal protections for creative works and inventions including copyright, patents, trademarks, and trade secrets.
## Key Facts
- Copyright: protects expression; duration varies by jurisdiction.
- Patent: protects inventions/novel processes; limited term; requires disclosure.
- Trademark: identifies source/brand; requires distinctiveness; renewable.
- Trade Secret: value from secrecy; protected via controls and agreements.
- Licensing governs use/redistribution; violations can be civil/criminal.
- Security supports IP via NDAs, access control, DLP, monitoring.
- **Label:** **Protection** varies by type; choose the right mechanism.
- **Verify:** check official (ISC)² CBK and current exam outline.
## Exam Relevance
- Identify correct IP protection/mechanism for a scenario.
**Mnemonic:** “CP3T” → Copyright, Patent, (3) Trademark, Trade Secret.
## Mini Scenario
Q: Proprietary algorithm not patented—best protection?
A: Maintain as trade secret with strict controls and NDAs.
## Revision Checklist
- Match each IP type to definition and control.
- Name one risk per type.
- Explain licensing’s role in compliance.
## Related
[[Licensing Models and Agreements]] · [[Compliance and Regulatory Concepts]] · [[Privacy Principles and Data Protection]] · [[Security Governance]] · [[Computer Crime Categories and Laws]] · [[Domain 1 - Index]]