INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND OWNERSHIP: BALANCING INNOVATION AND HUMAN RIGHTS

This paper explores the intricate relationship between Intellectual Property (IP) and ownership, examining the historical evolution, classifications, and societal impacts of IP laws. As legal frameworks designed to protect creators’ rights, IP plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and cultural expression. However, this protection often raises ethical questions regarding access to knowledge and resources, particularly in relation to life-saving inventions and creative works. Through an analysis of notable case studies—such as the struggles of artists for fair copyright treatment, the pharmaceutical industry's patenting of essential medications, and the open-access movement—this paper humanizes the often-abstract discussion of IP. It highlights the tension between safeguarding intellectual property and promoting public access, particularly in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Ultimately, this paper advocates for a balanced approach that ensures both the protection of creators and equitable public access, calling for reforms that reflect the challenges of the contemporary world.