IP crime is classified as the unauthorised use of someone’s IP (intellectual property) which may lead to prosecution. If someone owns an intellectual property (IP) right, ie. a copyright, design, patent or trade mark, then others cannot or have no right to manufacture, use, sell or import it without prior permission from the owner.

Copyright is an automatic right which applies when the work is fixed, that is written or recorded in some way. Designs are what something looks like - from the shape of a take-away cup to the body of jet. Patents protect what makes things work - like what makes a wheel turn or the chemical formula of your favourite fizzy drink. Trade marks are symbols that distinguish goods and services in the marketplace - like logos and brand names.