What’s Protected |
Protects logos, names, phrases, or designs that identify and set apart a brand’s products. |
Protects inventions like new products, processes, or improvements to existing ones. |
Protects original works like books, music, artwork, films, and other creative content. |
Protection Requirements |
Must be unique and clearly identify the source of goods. |
Must be a new, useful, and non-obvious invention. |
Must be original, creative, and in a tangible form (e.g., written, recorded). |
Duration of Protection |
As long as the trademark is actively used in the market. |
20 years from the filing date. |
Author’s lifetime plus 70 years after their death. |
Rights Granted |
The right to use the trademark and prevent others from using similar marks that could confuse consumers. |
The right to prevent others from making, selling, or using the patented invention. |
The right to control the copying, sharing, and public use of the creative work. |
Renewal |
Can be renewed indefinitely as long as the trademark is used in commerce. |
Cannot be renewed after the 20-year term expires. |
Copyrights can be transferred but cannot be renewed. |
Scope of Protection |
Applies only to specific goods or services in the marketplace. |
Provides exclusive rights to the invention globally (depending on country-specific laws). |
Covers all forms of creative work, protecting the expression but not the ideas themselves. |
Enforcement |
Enforced by the trademark owner through legal action against infringers. |
Enforced by the patent owner, who can sue for infringement and seek damages. |
Enforced by the copyright holder, with the right to stop unauthorized reproductions or performances. |
Application Process |
Trademark registration requires proving the mark is distinct and not already in use. |
Patent application requires a detailed description of the invention and proof of novelty. |
Copyright is automatically granted upon creation but can be formally registered for additional legal benefits. |