What is the difference between a patent and a copyright?

Software Licencing And Copyright Questions



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What is the difference between a patent and a copyright?

A patent is a legal protection granted to an invention or a new and useful process, product, or design. It gives the inventor exclusive rights to make, use, and sell the invention for a limited period of time. On the other hand, a copyright is a legal protection granted to original works of authorship, such as literary, artistic, musical, or dramatic works. It gives the creator exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, display, and perform the work. In summary, a patent protects inventions, while a copyright protects creative works.