Which of the following items is considered intellectual property entitled to protection?

The correct response is that a mural you painted is considered intellectual property entitled to protection because it falls under the category of artistic works. Intellectual property laws, including copyright, protect the expression of ideas, which includes original works of art like paintings, music, and literature. As the creator of the mural, you hold exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and display that work, preventing others from using it without your permission.

The other choices involve different types of information or assets that may not receive the same level of protection. For instance, a set of instructions for a machine might be considered trade secrets or could potentially qualify for patent protection if it meets certain criteria, but it does not automatically fall under copyright. Similarly, a list of customer names might be seen as confidential business information but lacks the creative expression needed for copyright protection. Lastly, a contract template is a form of legal document that may be subject to certain legal protections, but it is typically not considered creative expression that would typically qualify for copyright, particularly if it is generic in nature.