9 difference between Trademark and Copyright you must know

The majority of business owners are ignorant of the fact that their brand or trademark is their company’s most valuable asset. Its company’s whole existence and reputation are based only on its brand name. The market is crowded and competitive, and half the battle is already won when you can get the attention of your target audience.

Then a simple doubt will come to your mind, what is the difference between trademark and copyright?? In simple words, trademarks protect brands and logos, while copyrights safeguard creative works like books and art.

What is a trademark?

Symbols, logos, designs, words, phrases, colours, sounds, or combinations of these that are used in the trade of products, or the provision of services are all considered trademarks. It shows where the products or services come from and sets them apart from those of other people. It grants the only right to utilize a trademark related to the good or service. 

Copyright is a technique used to safeguard intellectual property, which can include writing, music recordings, paintings, sculptures, novels, poems, scripts, and other works of art. It gives the author of the work the only authority to precisely duplicate, replicate, or publish it for profit. The copyright registration is not expressly needed.

The important difference between trademark and copyright is explained here.

  • Target objects:
    • Creative, dramatic, and musical works are protected by copyright, while trade names, corporate brands, logos, taglines, slogans, and domain names are protected by trademarks. 
  • Goal:
    • The goal of utilizing a trademark is to maintain its exclusive status for the company’s goods and services. Copyrights, on the other hand, provide you the only authority to use and distribute them. 
  • Advantage:
    • Using a trademark protects rivals from using identical symbols or words in their branding. Here, building consumer trust and establishing the brand are the only goals.
    • Additionally, copyright forbids anybody other than the author from selling or duplicating the brand.
  • Registration:
    • In order to use the ® trademark symbol, the mark must be registered. However, if you use the © sign to add copyright protection, you do not need to register the mark, but it does demonstrate originality. 
  • Exclusivity:
    • A trademark grants a product or service exclusivity as well as a way to keep it that way. In contrast, the author of the work is free to profit from the use of their copyright-protected creation. 
  • Recognition:
    • In the perspective of consumers, a trademark lends a feeling of exclusivity to the goods or services.
    • Customers are aware of the brand and can infer the quality of the product or service based on the brand’s reputation.
    • Copyright, on the other hand, acknowledges the unique elements of the created work. 
  • Validity period:
    • To keep it safe from infringers, a trademark registration is valid for 10 years and can be renewed.
    • Additionally, the copyright is unaffected by time and lasts forever. In India, a single owner’s copyright is valid for the author’s lifetime plus an additional 60 years.
    • The copyright may be in effect for a non-individual owner for up to 60 years beyond the date of publication. 
  • Identifier Symbol:
    • Following registration, the trademarked item, logo, or service may utilise the ® symbol.
    • In contrast, original works protected by a copyright are denoted by the sign ©.
    • Registration is not necessary, however it does demonstrate uniqueness and offer a particular ideal perspective. 
  • Registration:
    • In order to use the ® trademark symbol, the mark must be registered.
    • However, if you use the © sign to add copyright protection, you do not need to register the mark, although doing so attests to its originality.

Know the difference between Trademark and Logo?

Conclusion

In conclusion, consumers are very brand aware, and as a result, trademark and copyright have a big impact on what they decide to buy. Thus, it is crucial for companies, entrepreneurs, or creative individuals to have a thorough grasp of difference between trademark and copyright.

They might use this to secure their original work for improvement or to expand their firm.a copyright owner gains notoriety for the uniqueness of his creations, which are further shielded by the copyright, and the company strengthens its reputation by using a well-chosen trademark. “Half the battle is won in mind,” as the saying goes.

As a result, these priceless resources foster the consumers’ trust value. Therefore, in order to ensure the uniqueness of their labour or investment, a businessperson needs to look into the protection of these instruments.

FAQs
1. What’s the fundamental difference between brand and trademark?  

Brand protects original workshop of authorship, similar as erudite, cultural, or musical creations, while trademarks cover symbols, names, and taglines that distinguish goods and services in the business.  

2. How is the scope of protection different for brand and trademark?

Brand protects the expression of ideas and original workshop, giving the creator exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and display the work. Trademarks, on the other hand, cover distinctive signs used to identify and distinguish goods or services in commerce.  

3. What’s the duration of protection for brand compared to trademark?  

Brand protection generally lasts for the life of the author plus a certain number of times (e.g., 70 times in numerous authorities). Trademarks can potentially be renewed indefinitely, as long as they continue to be used and renewal conditions are met.  

4. How does the registration process differ for brand and trademark?  

Brand protection is automatic upon the creation of an original work, and registration isn’t needed but can give fresh legal benefits. In discrepancy, trademarks bear registration with the applicable government authority to establish and apply exclusive rights.

5. In what ways do brand and trademark serve different purposes in intellectual property law? 

Brand primarily protects the creative expression of ideas, fostering the stimulant of cultural and erudite trials. Trademarks, on the other hand, concentrate on guarding brands and their associated goodwill, precluding confusion in the business and consumers can identify the source of goods or services.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top