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

A patent and a trade mark are two different forms of intellectual property law in Rhode Island. Patents are a form of intellectual property protection for inventions. It grants exclusive rights to the inventor, allowing them to prevent others from making, using, or selling the invention. Patents last for a limited period of time, typically 20 years from the filing date. This means that after the patent expires, the invention enters the public domain. Trademarks are used to distinguish products and services from one another. Unlike patents, trademarks have no expiration date and may be renewed indefinitely. They are symbols, words, phrases, or logos that identify and differentiate products and services in the marketplace. Trademarks are protected by federal and state law, allowing the owner to prevent others from using their trademark without permission. In summary, the main difference between a patent and a trademark is that patents protect inventions, while trademarks protect brand names, logos, and other identifying characteristics. Patents last a set amount of time, while trademarks can be renewed indefinitely. As such, patents and trademarks provide two different forms of protection for intellectual property in Rhode Island.

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

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