Intellectual property generally refers to creations of the mind including inventions, literary and artistic works, and symbols, names, images, and designs used in commerce. Intellectual property is divided into categories: patents, trademarks and copyrights. A copyright affords protection for expressions of authorship in literary, artistic, musical and other works. A patent provides protection for inventions and certain designs. A trademark identifies the source of goods via a name, brand or symbol and is used by organizations to distinguish its products from others.
The University of Wyoming has several University Regulations and Information Circulars which deal with intellectual property and provide guidance to the University community on rights and obligations with regard to intellectual property. They are:
University Regulation 641, Revision 3 or UW Reg 3-641-- Patents and Copyrights
Information Circular 1983-1 or Presidential Directive 6-1983-1 -- Copyright Law and Educational Fair Use
Information Circular 1979-2 or Presidential Directive 3-1979-2 -- Copyright: Musical Attractions
