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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Copyright and Patent?

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The main difference between copyright and patent lies in the types of intellectual property they protect. Here are the key distinctions between the two:

  • Copyright: Copyright protects original works of authorship, such as art, literature, music, and other creative works that exist in a tangible medium, like paper, canvas, film, or digital format. It covers the expression of an idea, such as an artistic work. For example, a copyright can protect an entire work like a book, a song, software code, or a photograph.
  • Patent: A patent is a property right issued by a government authority that allows the holder exclusive rights to an invention for a certain period of time. Patents protect inventions, including new and useful processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, and improvements to them. They are granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

In summary, copyright is concerned with protecting the expression of an idea, such as a creative work, while a patent is focused on protecting inventions, processes, or scientific creations.

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  • What is the Difference Between Copyright and Patent?
  • Comparative Table: Copyright vs Patent

    • Comparative Table: Copyright vs Patent

    Here is a table that highlights the differences between copyright and patent:

    Feature Copyright Patent
    Type of protection Protects original works of authorship, such as books, articles, songs, photographs, sculptures, choreography, sound recordings, motion pictures, and other works. Protects inventions, processes, or scientific creations, such as new types of machines, manufacturing processes, or chemical compositions.
    Examples Song lyrics, book manuscripts, photographs, and paintings. A new type of hybrid engine, a chemical composition like a pharmaceutical drug, or a mechanical process like complex machinery.
    Application process Automatic upon creation of an original work in a tangible or fixed form. Registration with the U.S. Copyright Office is recommended for legal protection. A patent is granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office after an application process, which is expensive, complex, and time-consuming.
    Duration Typically lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years. Lasts for a specific period, usually 20 years from the filing date.
    Granting authority U.S. Copyright Office. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

    In summary, copyright protects original works of authorship, while patent protects inventions, processes, or scientific creations. Copyright is automatic upon the creation of an original work, but registration is recommended for legal protection. Patents, on the other hand, are granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office after a complex and expensive application process. The duration of copyright is typically longer than that of a patent.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.