Paper Contents
Abstract
This review explores the critical role of intellectual property (IP) in safeguarding Internet of Things (IoT) software and firmware. It surveys legal mechanismssuch as patents, copyrights, and trade secretsand technical strategies, including code obfuscation and secure enclaves. We assess how IP frameworks contribute to preventing unauthorized modification, reverse engineering, and exploitation of vulnerabilities. Through detailed case studies, including high-profile firmware breaches and IP-based countermeasures, we illustrate how IP-anchored security complements cryptographic and hardware-based techniques. We also identify existing challengessuch as enforceability across jurisdictions, rapid evolution of IoT ecosystems, and balancing IP protection with interoperability. Finally, we propose a research agenda to integrate legal, technical, and policy dimensions in next-generation IoT IP security strategies.
Copyright
Copyright © 2025 K. Sriya Choudary. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.
