What is the difference between a patent and a trade mark?

A patent and a trade mark are both types of intellectual property law but they serve different purposes. A patent is a form of legal protection for an invention. It prevents others from making, selling, or using the invention without permission. Patents can last for up to 20 years in the United States. A trade mark is used to protect a name, logo, slogan, or other recognizable sign that identifies a brand. Trade marks are designed to prevent other companies from using the same sign or a confusingly similar sign to promote their own products and services. Trade marks are also used to protect the reputation of the brand. In Mississippi, trade marks have no expiration date, as long as they are still in use. In summary, a patent is a form of legal protection for an invention and a trade mark is a form of legal protection for a recognizable sign that identifies a brand. Patents last for up to 20 years in the U.S., while trade marks have no expiration date as long as they are still in use.

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