The article “Intellectual Property” appeared in the New YorkTimes online page in the business section, on 5 August 2009. Theauthor, Darren Dahl, sets to explain some of the most importantresources for business, which are time and money. Moreover, heexpounds the subject of intellectual property, which elicits majorcourt cases across the country. According to Dahl, the rise ofcompetition among online-based businesses has reshaped the globalperspective of intellectual property, adding that the issue hasbecome a major concern, not only for large-scale businesses but alsofor small ones (2). Categorically, the author explores some of themajor fallacies associated with intellectual property, which includesthe position of the small-scale businesses, trademark safety andglobal patenting, among many others. The author’s main objective isenlightening online business owners, especially those owningsmall-scale businesses, about the nature of intellectual property, asfar as safeguarding their businesses in concerned. The motivation ofthe article is the lack of knowledge and ignorance among businessowners, who at times end up battling out in fierce court casesregarding their businesses’ intellectual property.
The article touches on intellectual property, which is one of themajor topics in Business Law course. The concept of intellectualproperty is a rather obscure one, which students can understand afterextensive reading and application in the field. The article toucheson the relationship between business entities, which may incidentallyfind themselves fighting out for similar elements in their business.Moreover, the article touches on various elements of intellectualproperty, such as patent trolls and lawsuits, which are sub-topics inthe Business Law course. By identifying the dynamic nature ofinternational business, the author provides a practical reference forBusiness Law course students, which they can use to gain a betterunderstanding of global business in perspective.
The article, in detail, covers five fallacies that associated withintellectual property. The fallacies include the impact ofintellectual property on small businesses, trademarks, branding, andpatents. Using the information in this article, small-scale businessowners can learn to avoid running into problems regarding securing oftheir businesses’ intellectual property. For instance, the articleexplains the importance of obtaining a patent and trademark as one ofthe first steps to securing ones’ business. However, just doingthis is not enough, as business owners are advised to consider otherelements of intellectual property such as country specific U.R.L.’sand the annual fees to protect them. With this kind of knowledge,business owners can secure their franchises and avoid legal suitswith similar businesses elsewhere across the globe. Moreover, thearticle educates business owners about the protection of theirinnovations, as well as the legal issues touching on relationshipswith other businesses within the same industry.
Economists regard intellectual property as a powerful tool foreconomic growth. The article contains critical information forimproving the knowledge about intellectual property among small-scalebusiness owners. S.M.E.’s constitute and integral unit of theeconomy, which actively contributes to the growth and expansion thenational economy through G.D.P. input. Therefore, various industriesshould protect their businesses’ social construct by improvingknowledge about intellectual property, which is one way of securingactive growth, one that is free of legal issues that stall growth.The author provides refined information about intellectual property,which consequently contributes to better understanding of thiscritical concept in business law.
Works Cited
Dahl,Darren. “Intellectual Property.” New York Times, August 2009.Web. 24 May 2016.