What is the difference between a patent, a trademark, and a copyright?

  • A patent protects an idea such as a product, method, system, design, or the like, from others making, using, selling, or importing it.
  • A traditional trademark protects a name or logo from others using it to market their own goods or services.
  • A copyright protects something you created, like an image, a piece of writing, or music, and prevents others from using it as their own creation.