Know About Intellectual Property Copyright Vs Trademark Vs Patent
Introduction Entrepreneurs who own a trademark, copyright or patent for a product or technology have an advantage over their competitors, but the process for obtaining them can be a long, complicated one.
Before you start the copyright, trademark or patent process, it is important to learn about their differences, how they can help protect your company’s intellectual property, what exactly they protect and where you need to apply.
Definitions of Copyright, Trademark and Patent
Copyright A copyright protects original works of authorship including songs, books, movies, articles and much more. The key is that the work must exist on a physical or digital medium, such as paper, film or a digital file. A copyright gives you the exclusive right to use a work in a variety of ways: you can reproduce it, sell or distribute copies, display it, perform it, or create other works based on your copyrighted work.Copyrights are automatic upon creation of the original work, but registration is recommended so that the copyright claim is part of the public record.
Trademark - Knowing The Basics Right A trademark can be a phrase, word or design that identifies your company and its goods or services. A trademark can help distinguish you from your competitors and prevent others from using your mark. There are state-level and federal-level trademarks, each with its own registration process.
Knowing The Patent Rights A patent is a granted property right to the creator(s) of a new, unique and useful invention, discovery or process. Patents allow you to bar others from making, using or selling your invention. There are three main types of patents: utility, design and plant. In this respect, trademarking lawyers can be of great help.
Advantages of Obtaining Copyright
A copyright is granted the moment you create an original work in a tangible or fixed form. It’s automatic. But unregistered works may be difficult to prove in the case that someone else uses or steals your work. And you can only file a copyright infringement lawsuit if your copyright is registered. That’s why we recommend registering your work with the U.S. Copyright Office to make your copyright claim public record.
Advantages of Receiving a Federal Trademark Receiving a trademark means your competitors can not register the same, or a deceptively similar, trademark in the same class of goods or services where your trademark is registered. Registration creates a public record of your trademark ownership and it allows you to use the ® symbol, helping establish legitimacy and trust with your customers and ward off counterfeiters. A federal trademark also gives you additional ways to enforce the mark and paves the way for registering your mark in other countries.
Advantages of Having a Patent Approved Innovations can take years to create and are often expensive. Receiving a patent ensures you’ll have the opportunity to profit from your hard work. A patent means the inventions and any related processes cannot be copied, made or sold unless permission is given by the inventor.
Conclusion So, you see, how trademarking and copyright can go hand in hand to offer wholesome protection for your website and brand image. With copyright and trademark in place, you not only protect your website design but also add value to your brand identity. Now you know the stringent differences between copyright, trademark and patent will put you on the right track for your business. As a bonus, it will also safeguard your intellectual interests and keep you protected from legal hassles.