What is the difference between a patent and a copyright?

Intellectual Property Law protects the creations of individuals, from inventions to works of art. In Mississippi, patent and copyright law are important components of Intellectual Property Law. Patents protect inventions from being copied by others. A patent gives its holder the exclusive right to produce, use, and sell an invention for a set period of time. When an inventor applies for a patent, they provide a detailed description of the invention and how it works. Once patented, competitors cannot legally use the same invention without the permission of the patent holder. Copyrights protect the creators of works, such as books, music, and art. Unlike patents, copyright does not protect ideas, only the particular form or expression of the idea. Copyright covers the exclusive right to reproduce, publish, and sell an original work. Unlike patents, copyrights typically last for a longer period of time and don’t need to be renewed. In summary, patents protect inventions and give the inventor exclusive rights to produce and sell the invention, while copyrights protect the creators of works such as books, music, and art. Patents provide exclusive rights for a set period of time while copyrights last for a longer period of time.

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