{"id":5066,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:54","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/intellectual-property\/trademark-rights-versus-copyrights-and-patents.html"},"modified":"2024-05-22T02:57:53","modified_gmt":"2024-05-22T07:57:53","slug":"trademark-rights-versus-copyrights-and-patents","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/intellectual-property\/trademark-rights-versus-copyrights-and-patents.html","title":{"rendered":"Know the Difference Between Trademarks, Copyrights and Patents"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Know the Difference Between Trademarks, Copyrights and Patents<\/h1>\n
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\n By Taylar-Simone McCants, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Amber Sheppard, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Intellectual property protection is important for all small business owners. There are four main types of intellectual property: trademarks, copyrights, patents, and trade secrets.<\/p>\r\n

This FindLaw article will help you understand how trademarks, copyrights, and patents differ in regard to legal protection and intellectual property rights.<\/p>\r\n

Trademarks<\/h2>\r\n

Trademarks<\/a> protect brand names, service marks, phrases, and logos that help distinguish goods and services. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)<\/a> oversees the trademark application process.<\/p>\r\n

Federal trademark registration is essential for business owners looking to have exclusive rights to their business name or logo. A registered trademark for your brand name or logo ensures that only your company can use the brand name or logo on its products.<\/p>\r\n

Here are some examples of famous trademark names and logos:<\/p>\r\n