The differences between copyrights, trademarks, and patents

Sadly, when you’re creating great things there will be people who will attempt to profit from it without your permission. Luckily, in most countries like the United States of America, Switzerland, and Canada there are ways to protect yourself from people trying to steal your hard work. The three main ways to avoid having your work stolen is by using copyrights, patents and trademarks. All three of these protective tools have a variety of differences though, that are explained below.

1. Copyrights: These are used to protect things like music, written works, sound recordings or other forms of communications like podcasts from being used by others for profit. Without a copyright there is almost no way to legally protect yourself from people copying your content.

2. Patents: These are used to protect new technologies, specific formulas or unique processes from other entities who may attempt to generate a profit from your creation. This is a right granted by the government that prevents others from making or selling the idea you’ve patented. 

3. Trademarks: These are used to protect your brand images, designs or name. Trademarks are used as a legal means to stop others from putting your logo or name on their products.

Sadly, these are all necessary and they are not cheap things to obtain. However, it’s always smart to legally protect yourself from copycats trying to make a buck off of your hard work. Intellectual property is something that shouldn’t be taken lightly. You certainly don’t want your life disrupted because of thieves who will try to steal your intellectual property.