Which of the following is a characteristic of intellectual property?

Intellectual property is defined as creations of the mind, which can include inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols, names, and images used in commerce. Characterizing it as encompassing creations such as ideas and symbols accurately captures the essence of intellectual property, highlighting its focus on intangible assets rather than just physical manifestations.

The concept of intellectual property recognizes the importance of protecting these unique creations to encourage innovation and creativity. Unlike physical assets, which are tangible and occupy physical space, intellectual property consists of ideas and concepts that require legal protections—like patents, trademarks, and copyrights—to safeguard the creator's rights and prevent unauthorized use or reproduction.

The other options do not reflect the true nature of intellectual property. While documentation can be part of legal protection, it is not a requirement for something to be considered intellectual property, as many ideas can exist and hold value in an undocumented form until they are formalized through legal means.