For artists specializing in metal sculpture, protecting their unique designs is crucial to safeguarding their creative and financial investments. Intellectual property (IP) protection begins with thorough documentation—photographing sculptures from multiple angles, keeping dated sketches, and maintaining detailed process logs. Registering copyrights provides legal recognition, while contracts with buyers or galleries should explicitly outline usage rights and reproduction restrictions. Some artists use digital watermarks or blockchain technology to timestamp and verify ownership. For highly distinctive designs, pursuing design patents may be worthwhile. Many creators join artist associations that offer IP education and legal resources. Proactive measures like these ensure artists maintain control over their original metalwork while preventing unauthorized replication or commercial exploitation of their artistic innovations.