Trademark vs Copyright vs Patent: What’s the Difference?
                     TRADEMARK VS 
COPYRIGHT VS 
KEY DIFFPERAETNCEENS ETXPLAINED
In today’s fast-paced and competitive market, businesses and 
individuals constantly create distinctive brands, products, and 
content. Protecting these intellectual assets is essential to 
prevent unauthorized use.
This is where trademark registration, copyright registration, 
and patents play a crucial role.
WHAT IS A 
TRADEMARK?
A trademark is a distinctive word, 
symbol, phrase, logo, or design that 
sets a business’s goods or services 
apart from competitors.
EXAMPLES OF TRADEMARKS
• McDonald’s golden arches
• Nike’s swoosh logo
• The slogan “Just Do It”
WHY IS 
TRADEMARK 
REGISTRATION 
IMPORTANT?
Registering a trademark ensures that your 
brand remains protected from imitation or 
misuse by competitors.
It grants exclusive rights to use the mark 
for your products or services. If someone 
else uses a similar mark, legal action can 
be taken.
WHAT IS 
COPYRIGHT?
Copyright protects original creative works, 
including books, music, films, paintings, 
software, and photographs. It grants creators 
the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, 
and showcase their work.
EXAMPLES OF COPYRIGHT-
PROTECTED WORKS
• A novel by an author
• A song composed and recorded by a musician
• A movie directed by a filmmaker
WHY IS COPYRIGHT 
REGISTRATION 
IMPORTANT?
Although copyright protection is automatically 
granted upon creation, copyright registration 
provides official proof of ownership. This makes it 
easier to take legal action in case of infringement.
WHAT IS A 
PATENT?
A patent grants exclusive rights over new 
inventions, processes, or technological 
advancements, preventing others from using, 
manufacturing, or selling the invention without 
permission for a specific period, usually 20 years.
EXAMPLES OF PATENTED INVENTIONS
• Thomas Edison’s light bulb
• Alexander Graham Bell’s telephone
• Newly developed pharmaceutical drugs
WHY IS PATENT 
REGISTRATION 
IMPORTANT?
Patent registration ensures that your invention 
remains protected from unauthorized use, offering a 
competitive advantage. It also allows inventors to 
monetize their patents through licensing or sales.
WHICH PROTECTION DO 
YOU NEED?
• To safeguard your brand identity, opt for trademark registration.
• To secure your creative works, choose copyright registration.
• If you’ve invented something new, patent registration is the right choice.
Each of these protections serves a distinct purpose and plays a vital role in 
securing intellectual property.
For a smooth and hassle-free registration process, legal experts at Online Legal 
India provide professional guidance.