Trademark vs Copyright vs Patent: Understanding the Differences
Trademark vs Copyright vs Patent: Understanding the Differences
Blog Article
Original works of art are protected by intellectual property (IP), although the functions of various IP rights vary. The most popular ones are patents, copyrights, and trademarks; each provides special protections according to the product being developed.
1. A trademark
Brand identifiers that set one company's products or services apart from another, such as names, logos, slogans, symbols, or a combination of these, are protected by trademark law. The Trade Marks Act of 1999 governs it in India.
Goal: Preserves brand identity
Nike's "Just Do It" tagline and the Coca-Cola logo are two examples.
Ten years of validity (renewable indefinitely)
The Indian Trademark Registry is the registration authority.
2. Copyright:
Original works of literature, art, music, and drama, including software code, movies, photographs, and books, are protected by copyright. In India, it is regulated by the Copyright Act of 1957.
Goal: Preserves artistic expressions
Examples include books, music, software, and movies.
Validity: 60 years plus the author's lifetime
The Copyright Office, India, is the registration authority.
3. A patent
New, creative, and commercially viable inventions or processes are protected by patents. The Patents Act of 1970 governs it.
Goal: Preserves technology and inventions
Examples include a machine, a software procedure, or a novel medication formula.
Validity period: 20 years from the date of filing
The Indian Patent Office is the registration authority.
conclusion
All three provide intellectual property protection, but they differ in terms of duration, scope, and subject matter.
Employ a trademark to establish your brand.
copyright for artistic creations, and
Technical inventions are protected by patents.
Knowing the differences enables people and organisations to select the best protection for their operations, guaranteeing both legal security and financial gain.