A Copyright is a form of ownership and legal protection provided to the authors of “original works of authorship” including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works, both published and unpublished. The Copyright Act of 1976 allows the owner of a copyright, usually the creator of a work, the exclusive right to produce or reproduce the work, or to permit anyone else the right to do so.

On the other hand, Trademarks are used to distinguish the goods or services of one person, or company from those of another. Names of products, a word or groups of words, slogans, phrases, symbols or designs, logos, or distinctive packages are all examples of features which are eligible for registration as trademarks.

There are two distinctive Marks, Trademarks and Service Marks. While a Trademark appears on the product and/or packaging, a Service Mark appears in advertising for an entity providing a service. Despite the difference, all registered Marks are valid throughout the United States, and may last indefinitely, as long as the owner continues to renew the Mark, and use the Mark in interstate trade.

Lastly, a Patent is a grant of property rights by the U.S Government through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. A Patent excludes others from making, using, or selling the invention in the United States. Most importantly, a Patent cannot be obtained on a mere idea or suggestion, but rather on the tangible manifestation of those ideas. In the United States, the first to invent, and promptly file for a patent will have preference over those who invent later, or those that delay an excessive time in the filing of their patent. Keep in mind that in March 2012 the U.S. will become “First File” country.