Intellectual property is generally protected by law, allowing the author/creator to derive recognition or a pecuniary benefit from their creation.
For example, in the US and most other countries, you can have your intellectual property protected by applying for a patent, trademark, industrial design, or copyright registration.
However, thanks to Artizyou, it is also possible that for certain types of intellectual property rights automatic protection may result from the mere use, provided that you can prove your property and/or previous uses.