What is the difference between a patent and a trade mark?
Patents and trademarks are two forms of intellectual property law which are protected in Pennsylvania. A patent is a form of legal protection which gives the inventor exclusive rights to their invention. It is used to protect inventions of a product or process, including anything from a machine to a business method. A patent protects the inventor’s rights to prevent others from using, copying, or selling the invention without permission. A trademark is a form of legal protection which is used to protect the unique identity and reputation of a product or service. It can be a name, a phrase, a logo, or a combination of these elements. Trademarks are used to differentiate products or services from each other and protect them from being stolen or imitated by others. The main difference between a patent and a trademark is that a patent grants the inventor exclusive rights to the invention, while a trademark protects the product’s, service’s, or company’s identity. A patent is primarily used to protect the invention, while a trademark is used to protect a brand or company’s reputation. Furthermore, a patent is usually valid for a period of twenty years or more, while a trademark can last indefinitely, as long as it is used and renewed.
Related FAQs
What is intellectual property law?What is the difference between an invention and an idea?
What is the Digital Media Copyright Act?
What is a software copyright?
How do I determine if I have a valid copyright or patent?
What is the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)?
What is the difference between copyright and industrial design protection?
What is the role of a patent attorney?
How can I enforce my intellectual property rights?
What recourse do I have if someone has allegedly violated my copyright?
Related Blog Posts
The Supreme Court’s Role in Intellectual Property Law - July 31, 2023Benefits of Protecting Intellectual Property Rights - August 7, 2023
Understanding Trademark Law Basics - August 14, 2023
What is the Difference Between a Patent, a Trademark and a Copyright? - August 21, 2023
How Can an Intellectual Property Lawyer Help Your Business? - August 28, 2023