Intellectual property (IP) law protects products of invention, creativity, knowledge or expression, and includes:

• Patents: protect new inventions or any new and useful improvement of an existing invention.
• Trademarks: words or design used to identify a person or organization, which distinguishes them from others in the marketplace (for example, logos).
• Copyright: protection for original creations, such as artistic, dramatic, literary or musical works.
• Industrial designs: any combination of the aesthetic features of shape, configuration, pattern or ornament that is applied to a finished product.
• Integrated circuit topographies: any three-dimensional configuration of electronic circuits contained within products or layout designs.
• Plant Breeders' Rights: apply to certain new plant varieties (managed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency).

The intellectual property ownership of materials created in the course of employment at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) is generally outlined in the employment agreements. USask students are automatically the copyright owners of any materials that they create in their role as students (for example, essays, written assignments).

If you have questions about intellectual property other than copyright, please contact the Innovation Mobilization and Partnerships office. For questions about the use of USask trademarks and logos, please consult the Logo and Secondary Logo Use policy or email Marketing and Communications at communications@usask.ca.