Trademark, Patent, or Copyright? What are the Differences?

The term “trademark” is often used to refer to both trademarks and service marks.  A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol, and/or design that identifies and distinguishes the source of the goods of one party from those of others.  A service mark is a word, phrase, symbol, and/or design that identifies and distinguishes the source of a service rather than goods.  Trademarks are granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office ("USPTO").

When you hear or see the term patent, think of invention.  A patent is a property right relating to an invention for a limited period of time.  Patents are also granted by the USPTO and are in exchange for public disclosure of the invention.

Copyrights protect works of authorship, such as writings, music, and works of art that have been tangibly expressed.  For example, it protects the oil painting, operatic symphony, books, and poetry.