Intellectual property (IP) is a product of the mind that has commercial value. The concept dates back to 1623, when the first patent law to protect IP rights was passed. IP rights protect an artist from having his/her creative ideas copied by another. For example, if somebody generates an idea for a novel, that idea is protected by IP rights. If someone else wishes to represent the idea or develop it further£¬he/she must consult the original artists, who will normally be rewarded financially for its use. Back in the 17th century£¬IP rights were primarily carried out to protect newly developed manufacturing processes against stealing£¬but today, intellectual property rights are also enjoyed by those who create music, art and literature.