the Python Foundation

[Mark Tarver]

>From the website

The Python Software Foundation (PSF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit
corporation that
holds the intellectual property rights behind the Python programming
language. We manage the open source licensing for Python version 2.1
and later and own and protect the trademarks associated with Python.

Could somebody explain 'what holding the intellectual property rights'
means in this context and in what sense PSF manages the licensing and
protects the trademarks associated with Python?   This is for my
education.

thanks

Mark