Intellectual property is the body of law (statutes and court opinions) that protects a person’s original works. There are generally four types of intellectual property: (1) patents; (2) copyrights; (3) trademarks; and (4) trade secrets. For example, patent law protects the works of people who create new utilities for chemicals and machines (utility patents), new designs (design patents), and new plant varieties (plant patents). Copyright law protects new works of authorship such as books, movie scripts, paintings, poetry, and songs. Trademark law protects the names and identifying marks (logos) of products and companies. And trade secrets are pieces of information that have economic value from not being generally known to the public or discoverable by lawful means, and that the owner strives to keep secret.

In Wyoming, as in all states, intellectual property law is primarily governed by federal statutes, as the protection of intellectual property is considered a matter of federal jurisdiction. Patents are governed by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and protect inventors of new utilities, designs, and plant varieties. Copyrights are secured through the Copyright Office and protect original works of authorship, including literature, music, and art. Trademarks, which protect brand names and logos, are also registered with the USPTO. Trade secrets, while not registered, are protected under the Uniform Trade Secrets Act, which Wyoming has adopted, as well as under the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act. These laws provide remedies for the misappropriation of trade secrets. It's important for individuals and businesses to understand these laws to protect their intellectual property and to avoid infringing on the rights of others. An attorney specializing in intellectual property can provide specific guidance and assistance in navigating these complex areas of law.