What protects against illegal copying of new discoveries?

Patenting is a legal mechanism that grants an inventor exclusive rights to their inventions for a specified period, typically 20 years from the filing date. This exclusivity protects against unauthorized reproduction or exploitation of the invention, ensuring that the inventor can benefit commercially from their discoveries. By obtaining a patent, the inventor also has the power to endorse or license the invention to others, further controlling how it is used.

Brand names and trademarks protect the identity of products or services offered by a business, but they do not cover the underlying inventions or discoveries themselves. Genetics refers to biological inheritance and does not pertain directly to legal protections for inventions. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is responsible for regulating food and drug safety, but it does not provide legal protection against the copying of discoveries.

Thus, patenting stands out as the essential legal tool specifically designed to protect innovations from illegal copying, ensuring that inventors have the incentive to invest time and resources into their research and development.