1.0 INTRODUCTION
Intellectual property rights (IPR) are a set of rights associated with creations of the human mind. If you create something, invent a product; write a program, lyrics, etc. you are engaged in the process of creating intellectual property, which is like any other property that you can sell, license, gift, etc. The law allows the creator to economically benefit out of the creation. The establishment of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is an important milestone in the history of human-kind that recognises the legitimate rights of the creator to their work. IPR covers literary, artistic and scientific works; performances of performing artists, phonograms, and broadcasts; inventions in all fields of human endeavour; scientific discoveries; industrial designs; trademarks, service marks, and commercial names and designations; protection against unfair competition; and any other rights resulting from intellectual efforts. In this unit, we will discuss the history and philosophy of IPR and understand the basics of copyright, patents and trademarks. We will also highlight the emerging issues in this field to orient you toward the bases of IPR.