How Intellectual Property Is Managed and Generated

HISTORIC PROTECTIONS Though it may seem that people developed IP law to protect modern technological advancements, the basic idea of IP law dates back to medieval Europe.1 Prior to this period, there was evidence of protections for IP in ancient Greek history.2 However, medieval Europeans created a more structured approach to IP management. The Constitution set the standard for IP law going forward, solidifying the idea that the federal government would remain in charge of it, superseding any laws of state governments. Organizations such as the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) or the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) help establish these best practices to help guide creators, from solo innovators to large corporations. Even given this federal oversight, companies, private citizens, and inventors should have a management system to organize their IP.