Trademark vs Copyright vs Patent: What’s the Difference?

Learn the key differences between trademark registration, copyright registration, and patents. Get expert guidance with Online Legal India to protect your intellectual property.

1. TRADEMARK VS COPYRIGHT
VS PATENT
KEY DIFFERENCES EXPLAINED

2. WHAT IS A
TRADEMARK?
A trademark is a distinctive word,
symbol, phrase, logo, or design that
sets a business’s goods or services
apart from competitors.

3. •McDonald’s golden arches
•Nike’s swoosh logo
•The slogan “Just Do It”
EXAMPLES OF TRADEMARKS

4. WHY IS TRADEMARK
REGISTRATION
IMPORTANT?
Registeringatrademarkensuresthatyour
brandremainsprotectedfromimitationor
misusebycompetitors.
Itgrantsexclusiverightstousethemark
foryourproductsorservices.Ifsomeone
elseusesasimilarmark,legalactioncanbe
taken.

5. WHAT IS
COPYRIGHT?
Copyright protects original creative works,
including books, music, films, paintings,
software, and photographs. It grants creators
the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute,
and showcase their work.

6. EXAMPLES OF COPYRIGHT-PROTECTED WORKS
•A novel by an author
•A song composed and recorded by a musician
•A movie directed by a filmmaker

7. WHY IS COPYRIGHT
REGISTRATION IMPORTANT?
Although copyright protection is automatically
granted upon creation, copyright registration
provides official proof of ownership. This makes it
easier to take legal action in case of infringement.

8. WHAT IS A PATENT?
A patent grants exclusive rights over new
inventions, processes, or technological
advancements, preventing others from using,
manufacturing, or selling the invention without
permission for a specific period, usually 20 years.

9. EXAMPLES OF PATENTED INVENTIONS
•Thomas Edison’s light bulb
•Alexander Graham Bell’s telephone
•Newly developed pharmaceutical drugs

10. WHY IS PATENT REGISTRATION
IMPORTANT?
Patent registration ensures that your invention
remains protected from unauthorized use, offering a
competitive advantage. It also allows inventors to
monetize their patents through licensing or sales.

11. WHICH PROTECTION DO YOU
NEED?
•To safeguard your brand identity, opt for trademark registration.
•To secure your creative works, choose copyright registration.
•If you’ve invented something new, patent registration is the right choice.
Each of these protections serves a distinct purpose and plays a vital role in
securing intellectual property.
For a smooth and hassle-free registration process, legal experts at Online Legal
India provide professional guidance.