What is Intellectual Property?

Intellectual property can be defined as an intangible assets or work of an innovator, which an exclusive right is given by law. Such intangible assets may include literary and artistic works; discoveries and inventions, musical, words, phrases, and symbols... Example of intellectual property rights include copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, patents and, design right.

Miller, A., and Davis, M. (2000) in their book, Intellectual Property: Patents, Trademarks, and Copyright, West Wadsworth publishing, intellectual property is a form of legal entitlement which allows its holder to control the use of certain intangible ideas and expressions. The term intellectual property reflects the idea that once established, such entitlements are generally treated by courts, especially in common law jurisdictions, as if they were tangible property.

A good example of intellectual property from academic or everyday life experience is prints book, CD's, videos, journals, industrial designs e.t.c.  More precisely, an author of a book may have copy right on the book for the all the time he or she is alive plus seventy years before his or her right expires.

Although, an exclusive right may be given under the intellectual property, however, the law also recognizes some exemption to this right. For example some print book or e-book may be copied for education research or purpose only. But it would become an infringement of copy if the copies are intended for commercial purpose.

Reflecting on Urvashi Vaid Presentaion

1. What were your expectations prior to attending this event?  What did you know about the topic before you attended the event? 

My expectation before attending Urvashi Vaid’s presentation on “Winning Marriage and More: Emerging challenges for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality” was that this event will increase my knowledge and understanding of the dynamic problems faced by the LGBT community.

2. How was the information presented?  Did the information presented at the event differ in any way from what you had learned or believed in the past?  How?

The presentation was presented in a more relaxed atmosphere (at one of the SCSU auditorium) beginning with the biography and introduction of the guest speaker by the chairperson of the SCSU Women Studies Program. The speaker’s choice of words was easy to understand. The information learned at this event was an eye opener. It’s a total reflection of the ambivalence faced by the LGBT community. In fact, I have never thought the LGBT movement is all about social justice, gender equality and religion liberty. More surprisingly, I never knew that gay marriage is legal in six States. I only knew about California and the Proposition 8 repeal. Don’t laugh at me for not so current!

3. What was one thing that you learned from this event that you did not know, or had never heard, before?

As mentioned above, I never new gay marriage is legal in six States. I know marriage has not been achieved in the State of Minnesota.

4. Did the personal, professional, or academic background make the speaker an authority on the topic?  Why or why not?

Yes. The speaker’s personal, professional and academic background has put her in good steed on the topic. She deliberated on the topic so well, touching on some key areas such as: backing her talk with first amendment, challenges faced the LGBT community towards achieving marriage status, optimism of LGBT growing government policies, opinion shift to tolerance, and criticism of the Williams Institute of Law’s statistics of on same-sex poverty rate. In addition, the speaker responded to all questions asked with good judgment.

5. What can you take away with this presentation to assist you in your Alternative Viewpoints Paper?

Honestly, this presentation has broadened my knowledge about issues and challenges facing the LGBT community, which I will be incorporating into my Alternative Viewpoint s Paper.

6. (If this took place): If someone in the class had the opportunity to ask a question, how did the speaker respond?  Was their answer satisfactory to you?  Why or why not? 

Yes. I had the opportunity to ask the speaker a question and I quote:”During your presentation you mentioned that you are concerned about the worries and argument of the traditional heterosexual people. Why this feeling or could you elaborate further on this”?

The speaker responded to my question honestly. She believed that that the heterosexual people are part of her world. Therefore, their feelings or worries should be respected. However, she maintained that no one should be treated unjust due to his or her sexual orientation or gender differences.

Google 101

During Google 101 class activities, I have learn that you can get up to a million hits from Google search strings. I also learn that not all these hits produces relevant information to my topic, however, they are very helpful resources.

Again, there were tool bars or features that are on the left hand side corner that I never imagine they were very helpful in producing search results. Also, I have learn that Google search engine produces more results compared to Google Scholars and ASP

Personally, the Google 101 activities has broaden my scope of understanding of how to use the Google search engine better than before. I will be using this for my research project and future endeavors.

Review of Semester Research Questions

So far so good, I can answer question 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 on my research questions. I am working on additional question 9 and 10 right now. I will be using related blog post and questionnaire design on my research population to answer these questions. Overall, everything is working well for me at this time. Yeah!

Are Blogs Legitimate Forms of News?

Base on my experience with blogs, there are more benefits to blogging than not. Although blogs are easy to start but hard to maintain, writing coherently is one of the most difficult and time consuming tasks for us as students. However, blogs are the easy way to keep people updated on your life, your business and any project you are working on. The constructive criticism or comment(s) you received from people who follow your blogs helps redirect your thought and shape you accordingly.

Another good thing about blogs is that it helps students to get into the habit of writing, which helps them in all their future endeavors. Blogs also enable students with various personalities to participate in a discussion far more effectively, and exchange their news on topics of common interest.

According to Douglas Idugboe, Digital and New Media Marketing Strategist, Founder and Chief Editor of Smediol! A Canadian Bestselling Author, Speaker and Trainer, who loves Technology, “Where to bog” should be determined by individual needs, target audience, budget and integration with other social networks.

Works cited:

Idugboe, D. (2012). Where to Blog- The Advantages and Disadvantages of Majors Blogging Platforms. Retrieved March 12, 2012 from  http://smedio.com/author/douglas-idugboe/

Online Education Blog. (2008-2011). Retrieved March 12, 2012 from http://www.onlineedublog.com/blogs/