Intellectual property laws do not actually protect an idea, they only protect an implementation of that idea. Here are examples of how the major IP laws work:
- Patents protect novel, "non-obvious," unique processes. They only cover the implementation of a physical object or physical designs that emanate from that idea, not the idea itself. Software programs or specific implementations of a technology, such as a novel app feature, can be protected but the general concept cannot.
- Copyright laws protect against the expression of a creative idea, usually in a media form; Books, videos, music, and source code are examples of works that can be copyrighted. Copyrightable works are copyrighted as soon ...