What Are Patents & Trademarks?
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a patent as "a writing securing for a term of years the exclusive right to make, use or sell an invention." The dictionary defines a trademark as "a device (as a word) pointing distinctly to the origin or ownership of merchandise to which it is applied and legally reserved to the exclusive use of the owner as maker or seller."
Other People Are Reading
-
Patent
-
A patent is granted to an inventor, giving them exclusive rights to the property for 20 years within the United States, its territories and possessions.
Trademark
-
A trademark is a word, phrase, name, or a symbol that is used by an individual or company when conducting business. The right to a trademark prevents others from using something similar to that, which may cause confusion among consumers.
-
Difference Between Patent and Trademark
-
A patent is proof of ownership, allowing the patent holder to sell, license or otherwise make money on an invention. A trademark is used by an individual or company in advertising, marketing, and/or branding.
Intellectual Property
-
While patents and trademarks identify ownership of physical goods, they do not protect infringement of nontangible products such as songs and prose. To protect these items, one must obtain a copyright.
United States Patent and Trademark Office
-
All patents and trademarks are registered through the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The USPTO is an agency of the U.S. government headquartered in Alexandria, Va.
-
References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Beverly
