The author of any product of the mind, whether it is an invention or a composition in letters or arts or a design with or without delineation or other graphical representation, has an exclusive ownership therein and in the representation or expression thereof which continues so long as the product and the representations or expressions thereof made by him remain in his possession.

Source: CivC 1877, § 570; CL 1887, § 3193; RCivC 1903, § 886; RC 1919, § 484; SDC 1939, § 51.0804.