Limitations and Challenges of Ergonomics Regarding Intellectual Property

Objective: The objective of this paper is to review the interests and limitations of ergonomics regarding intellectual property. Background: There have been less interests in intellectual property among the ergonomics professionals. However, the importance of intellectual property is increasing as competitions in industry are getting fierce. Method: Literatures on the relations of intellectual property with ergonomics were examined, and the international patent classification system was studied. Results: No profound studies were found in the area of the relations of intellectual property with ergonomics. Ergonomics was not considered in patent classification. Conclusion: It is important to induce more interests regarding intellectual property to the community of ergonomics. Further studies are expected on the relations of intellectual property with ergonomics. Application: The results from this paper would be of help to inducing ergonomists to more interests in intellectual property.