Are Trademark and Copyright same?
Trademark and copyright are both essential tools in the realm of intellectual property, but they serve different purposes and offer distinct types of protection.
1. Trademark:
* A trademark protects brand names, logos, slogans, and other identifiers that distinguish goods or services of one entity from those of others. This ensures that consumers can identify the source of products and services, preventing confusion in the marketplace.
* Trademarks safeguard symbols, names, and slogans used in commerce. They prevent others from using a confusingly similar mark on similar goods or services, thus protecting the brand’s identity and reputation.
* Trademarks can last indefinitely as long as they are in use and properly maintained. Typically, they require renewal every 10 years, allowing brands to maintain their identity over time.
* Examples: Iconic trademarks include Nike’s “swoosh” logo, McDonald’s “I’m Lovin’ It” slogan, and Apple’s apple logo.
2. Copyright:
* Copyright protects original works of authorship, such as literature, music, art, and software, giving the creator exclusive rights to use and distribute their work. This encourages creativity by ensuring creators can benefit from their work.
. Copyright covers the expression of ideas, not the ideas themselves. It protects literary works, music, films, paintings, sculptures, software, and other artistic works, ensuring that the creator’s unique expression is safeguarded.
* The duration of copyright varies by jurisdiction. In India it lasts for the life of the author plus an additional 60 years after their death.
* Examples: Famous copyrighted works include J.K. Rowling’s novels, Taylor Swift’s songs, and Vincent van Gogh’s paintings.