The term "intellectual property rights" refers to the legal protections granted to creators and inventors for their original works and inventions. These rights safeguard creativity and allow individuals to control and profit from the use of their innovations. Intellectual property rights encompass various categories, including patents for inventions, copyrights for artistic works, trademarks for branding, and trade secrets for confidential business information. By enforcing these rights, creators can prevent unauthorized use and promote the dissemination of knowledge while fostering an environment that encourages further innovation and economic growth.