Market Transformation is driven by ideas. When an idea, such as an invention or discovery, a design or symbol, a name, or a written document, is original and unique it is considered intellectual property (“IP”). Once IP is protected (typically through a copyright, a trademark, or a patent), the IP owner can determine how to share it, sell it, or improve it. NEEA creates, buys, and uses IP through its initiatives and must ensure that it can continue to use IP for the benefit of energy consumers in the Northwest. By protecting its IP, NEEA can ensure it is developed, shared, and used correctly and is available for future use by NEEA and NEEA’s stakeholders.
