What is the difference between a copyright and a trademark?
Copyright and trademark are both forms of intellectual property protection, but they have different purposes and provide different levels of protection. A copyright offers protection to creative works like books, films, music, and sculptures. It essentially gives the copyright holder exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute and create derivative works based on the creative work. Copyright is granted by the government and is in place for a set period of time. A trademark is a form of legal protection that can be applied to a business name, logo, or slogan. It prevents other businesses from using this name or logo to market their own products or services. Trademarks provide protection for the business name and helps distinguish the company from its competitors. It can also be seen as a symbol of quality and credibility. Under Texas law, trademarks are granted for an indefinite period of time, so long as the business continues to use the trademark in their business activities. Copyright, on the other hand, is granted for a set period of time, usually between 50 to 100 years. Overall, the main difference between a copyright and a trademark is that copyrights protect creative works, while trademarks protect a business name, logo, and slogan. Both provide essential protection for a business, and businesses should be aware of them when seeking to protect their intellectual property.
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