Answer:
The patent protects the original invention for a period of time and is approved by the Patent and Trademark Office. Granting the right to produce products without fear of competition for the duration of the patent provides an incentive for companies or individuals to continue developing innovative new products or services. Unlike patents, a trademark protects words and design elements that identify the source of a product. Brand names and corporate logos are prime examples. The service tag is similar, except that it protects the service provider instead of tangible goods. The term "trademark" is often used with reference to both labels. Copyright protects 'copyrighted works', such as works, art, architecture and music. As long as the copyright is in effect, the copyright owner has the sole right to display, share, perform or license the material. One notable exception is the "fair use" doctrine, which allows for some degree of distribution of copyrighted material in scientific, educational or reporting news.
Explanation:
There are three types of patents: utility patents, plant patents, and design patents.
Some examples of trademark infringement are pretty clear. You will probably run into problems if you try to bottle a drink and call it Coca-Cola - or even use the famous wave from its logo - since both have been protected for decades.
However, the trademark actually goes a little further, barring all signs that have a "likelihood of confusion" with existing ones. Therefore, a company cannot use a symbol or brand if it looks similar, sounds similar or has a similar meaning to what is already in the books - at least if the products or services are related.
Technically speaking, you do not have to file copyrights to protect the work. It is considered yours after your ideas are translated into tangible form, such as a book, music or published research. However, officially filing with the US Copyright Office before - or within five years of - the publication of your work, it is much easier to determine that you were the original author if you ever had to go to court.
