What is the difference between a trademark, patent, and copyright?

A trademark, patent, and copyright are all forms of intellectual property law, but they protect different kinds of ideas. A trademark protects a logo, phrase, or symbol that identifies the source of goods or services. A patent protects an invention or idea that is brand new and has not been used by anyone else before. A copyright protects an original work of authorship such as a book, painting, photograph, or song. In Kansas, trademarks are protected under state law as well as federal law. In order to register a trademark, an application must be submitted to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). A registered trademark gives the owner exclusive rights to use it in commerce, and it is identifiable by the ® symbol. Patents are also available in Kansas and are protected under federal law. Patents are issued by the USPTO if the idea or invention is novel and non-obvious. A patent gives the owner exclusive rights to use the invention for a period of time. The patent can be sold or licensed to others for a fee. Finally, copyrights are protected under federal law in Kansas as well. A copyright gives the author exclusive rights to use and exploit the work. A copyright can be sold or licensed to others for a fee. In summary, trademarks, patents, and copyrights are all forms of intellectual property law, but they protect different kinds of ideas. Trademarks protect a logo, phrase, or symbol that identifies the source of goods or services. Patents protect an invention or idea that is new and non-obvious. Copyrights protect original works of authorship such as a book, painting, photograph, or song.

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What is the difference between a trademark, patent, and copyright?

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