What is the difference between a copyright and a patent?

The difference between a copyright and a patent in Delaware is that copyrights protect the intellectual property rights of creative works, while patents protect the invention of a new product or process. Copyrights refer to the protection of artistic and literary works, such as books, music, and art. Protection under copyright law extends to the creator of the work, and it prevents others from copying or distributing the work without permission from the owner. Copyright protection generally lasts for the lifetime of the author, plus an additional 70 years. On the other hand, patents protect inventions, such as a new technology or process. Patents protect the inventor from others copying or using the invention without permission. The protection granted by a patent is generally for a period of 20 years. In Delaware, both copyrights and patents are administered by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Many businesses in the state rely on patent law to protect their investments in research and development. The same is true of creatives who rely on copyrights to protect their work from being exploited without permission or remuneration.

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