What is the difference between copyright and industrial design protection?

Copyright and industrial design protection are two separate forms of intellectual property law. Copyright protects the original expression of ideas in the form of books, music, art, films, or other works, while industrial design protection protects the appearance and shape of objects created for commercial use. Copyright protection prevents other people from using, copying or distributing the original work without permission from the author. Copyright law also provides a legal basis for the author to be paid for use of their work. Copyright protection is usually granted for a limited period of time, such as the life of the author or seventy years after the death of the author. Industrial design protection prevents other people from making, selling, or using products that look like or could be mistaken for the protected product. Industrial design protection is not concerned with ideas or concepts, but with the shape, ornamentation, or construction of a product. This form of protection is often used in the fashion industry to protect the design of clothes or accessories. In Mississippi, businesses and individuals are able to register their works with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for protection. This registration provides additional protection for works and products so that the original author or designer can receive credit or compensation for their work and investment.

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