As per our previous article, it was important to highlight the need for one to protect their Intellectual property rights. The system of Intellectual property is aimed at a goal of the future or desired result, which is envisioned by a person or a group. In Zimbabwe Intellectual property is very beneficial to our community, culture, society and the development of the country.
The main purpose is to encourage innovation in our communities that will provide incentives and grant protection to creators that will permit them to recover research and development investments. Development is an art of evolution and or an expansion. Once economic development is secured, the economic well-being and quality of life for one is improved.
There are many popular inventors in history but only a few are recognized by their works and full name. Good examples are;
- Alexander Graham Bell who invented the telephone at the age of 29,
- Benjamin Franklin who invented the lightning rod, the iron furnace stove or Franklin Stove, bifocal glasses, and the odometer,
- James Naismith was a Canadian physical education instructor who invented basketball in 1891,
- Steve Jobs was best remembered as the charismatic co-founder of Apple Inc.,
- Hedy Lamarr, as an inventor, she made significant contributions to radio and technology and systems just but to mention a few.
It is no lie that most of the inventors come from all walks of life and their inventions changed the world. These inventors are recognized as making the world a better place and their ideas have a name on it. Basically history and culture work hand in hand. The important purpose of Intellectual property is to ensure that inventors get recognition for their efforts and get full protection from infringement. It also includes uniqueness that is to separate one's work from the rest of the world, or work sold by competitors. Creativity must be rewarded. Unfortunately at the moment several factors impede enforcement measures on combating IP infringements at any level and a lack of public education regarding the economic and social effects of counterfeiting and piracy. The call is on inventors and or innovators and companies to make significant efforts to combat IP violations and protect their work from infringement.
Conclusively, IP rights have become more economically and politically important in society than ever before. The importance is stemming from the notion that today's International IP rules require both developed and developing countries to provide strong and consistent standards of protection as it also concerns human rights and environmental protection. IP maintains exclusive rights of an innovator whilst providing social and technological benefits which is implicit in the economic growth of any country.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
