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Not every form of property is physical. Property that exists as ideas is what is known as intellectual property. Like normal property, it is protected by the law. Intellectual property is divided by the law into three main categories. This includes patents, trademarks and copyrights. However, many people may be left wondering what the difference is between these legal terms.

A patent refers to intellectual property that protects the specific design of an invention. If a person is granted a patent by the government, it prevents anyone else from using that design during a specific period of time. Usually, this is 20 years from the moment the patent holder filed his or her application.

Such an application must include specific information such as what the invention is and how it works. More detailed diagrams may also be included. This could be the design of a mechanical device or a medication. Whatever the case, if that patent is granted, it becomes that person's intellectual property. If anyone else wants to use it, they must license it from the patent holder and pay royalties for its use.

A trademark is a bit different. It can protect a name, word or symbol that is used with products that are traded or sold. A trademark is used as signal to consumers. For example, the Pepsi symbol is used to differentiate Pepsi from other soft drinks such as Coke and Dr. Pepper.

A trademark, however, does not provide as much protection as a patent. A trademark on the name Pepsi, for example, does not prevent other soft drink producers from introducing a soft drink that tastes very similar to Pepsi. Pepsi's trademarks instead only cover things such as the name Pepsi and the Pepsi symbol that appears on cans and bottles.

Like patents, a trademark can be filed with the government. However, one kind of intellectual property that does not really need to be filed with the US Office of Patents and Trademarks is a copyright. A copyright is used to protect things that are known as "original works." An original work can cover many things. It may be a novel, a screenplay, a song, a movie, a painting, a statue or even a videogame.

As mandated by federal law, a copyright is the specific property of the creator unless stated otherwise by a previously existing contract. It cannot be used or reproduced by others without the copyright holder's permission.

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13y ago

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Related Questions

Copyrights and trademarks are examples of?

Copyrights, Trademarks and Patents are examples of Intellectual Property.


Did George Lucas Patent Star Wars?

No. A Patent is used when dealing with inventions that one creates. Lucas would have secured copyrights & trademarks for the Star Wars films & merchandise.


What has the author Solomon J Schepps written?

Solomon J. Schepps has written: 'The concise guide to patents, trademarks, and copyrights' -- subject(s): Copyright, Law and legislation, Patent laws and legislation, Trademarks


Is there a book I can buy to learn, "how to patent for dummies"?

There actually is a dummies book that you can purchase called "Patents, Copyrights & Trademarks For Dummies ". This book can be purchased a bookstore or you can find it at Amazon.com.


Are patents trademarks and copyrights all government granted monopolies?

Yes; patents and copyrights are temporary monopolies.


What type of intellectual property protection is available to both published and unpublished works, including copyrights, trademarks, and patents?

Both published and unpublished works can be protected by copyrights, trademarks, and patents. Copyrights protect original works of authorship, trademarks protect symbols or words that identify goods or services, and patents protect inventions or discoveries.


Is a copyright an Intangible asset?

An intangible assset is an asset that is not physical in nature such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, business methodologies, goodwill and brand recognition.Intangible assets are those assets which do not have physical substance and nobody can see it physically. Examples: 1 - goodwill 2 - patent 3 - copyrights etc


Who has authorizes patents and copy rights?

In the US they are administered by separate government agencies. Copyrights are overseen by the US Copyright Office in Washington DC. Patents & Trademarks are regulated by the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).


What has the author Arthur P Greeley written?

Arthur P. Greeley has written: 'Foreign patent and trademark laws' -- subject(s): Patent laws and legislation, Trademarks, Trademarks (International law) 'Registration of trademarks under the new Trademark Act of the United States' -- subject(s): Trademarks


What are some intangible assets?

A patent or trademark. Drilling or Mining Rights. Goodwill (paid when a company is purchased).


Where can you find a list of trademarks?

The US Patent and Trademark Office website.


What best describes something that is created entirely in the mind and includes copyrights trademarks and patents?

Tangible Property

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