What is the difference between copyright and design protection?
Copyright and design protection are two distinct forms of intellectual property law in Michigan. Copyright protects the expression of ideas, while design protection protects the appearance of articles of manufacture. Copyright protects the written expression of ideas, such as books, movies, software, and music. It gives the author the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, and publicly perform their work. It also allows them to prevent other people from using or copying it without permission. Copyright protection lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years. Design protection protects the ornamental features of an article of manufacture, such as a car, chair, or toy. It gives the designer the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, and publicly display the design. It also allows them to prevent other people from using or copying the design without permission. Design protection lasts for 25 years. Overall, copyright protects the expression of ideas, while design protection protects the appearance of articles of manufacture. This distinction is important because each form of protection grants different rights and lasts for different lengths of time.
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