"I want to protect my idea" — but with which right? Trademark, copyright and patent protect completely different things, and using the wrong one leaves gaps. Here's the simple map.
Trademark — protects your brand
Your brand name, logo and taglines. A trademark stops others from using a confusingly similar mark in your line of business. It can last indefinitely with renewals.
Copyright — protects your creative work
Original content, writing, art, music, code and designs. Copyright protects the expression of an idea (not the idea itself) and arises automatically, though registration strengthens your hand.
Patent — protects your invention
A novel, inventive, useful product or process. A patent gives up to 20 years of exclusive rights — but requires a rigorous application and disclosure.
Quick guide
- Brand name/logo → Trademark
- Content/software/art → Copyright
- Invention/process → Patent
- Product's look/shape → Design registration
Most businesses need more than one. Start with the trademark (your brand is your most public asset), then add others as your IP grows.
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This article is for general information based on rules current at the time of writing and is not professional advice. Rules change — confirm specifics with a GovYapar expert before acting.
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