Software Licencing And Copyright Questions Medium
Copyright and trademark are both forms of intellectual property protection, but they serve different purposes and protect different aspects of creative works or business identifiers.
Copyright is a legal right granted to the creator of an original work, such as a book, music, or software. It provides exclusive rights to the creator to reproduce, distribute, display, perform, and modify their work. Copyright protects the expression of ideas, not the ideas themselves. It automatically applies upon the creation of the work and lasts for a specific period, typically the life of the creator plus 70 years. Copyright infringement occurs when someone uses, copies, or distributes copyrighted material without permission from the copyright owner.
On the other hand, a trademark is a distinctive sign, symbol, word, or phrase that identifies and distinguishes the source of goods or services of one party from those of others. It is used to protect brand names, logos, slogans, or any other distinctive elements that help consumers identify and associate products or services with a particular company or business. Trademarks prevent others from using similar marks that may cause confusion among consumers. Unlike copyright, trademarks must be registered with the appropriate government authority, such as the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), to obtain legal protection. Trademarks can be renewed indefinitely as long as they are actively used and defended against infringement.
In summary, copyright protects original creative works, while trademarks protect brand names and other identifiers associated with goods or services. Copyright is automatic and lasts for a specific period, while trademarks require registration and can be renewed indefinitely.