Copyright applies to work that is recorded in some way.
Intellectual property (IP) is to protect creations such as inventions, literary, artistic creations, designs, logos and symbols, names and images.
Protecting your creations makes it easier to take legal action against anyone who blatantly steals or copies it without permission.
It also helps you get the compensation you deserve for your intellectual property. You may be wondering: How do I protect my intellectual property? The best way to protect your intellectual property is to register it with a patent office.
However, if you don't have the money or time to file for a patent, there are other ways to protect your intellectual property. There are three main ways to protect your intellectual property: Patent – This is when you apply for a patent in order to prevent others from making or selling the invention you created. This is also called "patenting" an idea. Copyright – This is when you apply for copyright to protect your creative works such as written or artistic creations. Trade-mark – This is when you apply for a trademark to prevent others from using your name, logo, symbol, design, image, slogan etc. as a way to identify your products and services.
If you have a new idea or startup business there are many types of ways you can protect your intellectual property, and some countries do this differently.
When a patent is granted it becomes the property of the creator.
Copyright applies to work that is recorded in some way.
A unique distinctive trademark.
Business name, word, slogan, design, symbol or other unique item that identifies a product or company.
Registered trademarks may be identified by the abbreviation ‘TM’, or the ‘®’ symbol
Madrid System provides a facility to submit trademarks applications to many countries at one time.
Patents apply to inventions and industrial processes.
Patents typically take 2 to 3 years to be granted.
PCT – The International Patent System
Designs may be subject to both copyright and design rights.
Hage System the International Registration of Industrial Designs.
What's the difference between a patent, copyright, trademark and trademark? The difference between the three kinds of IP protection.
Patent: Stop others from making or selling the invention you created.
Copyright: Covers creative works being copied.
Trademark: Prevent others from using your name, logo, symbol, design, image, slogan etc. as a way to identify your products and services.
Checklist of countries you may want to register you Intellectual Property.
WIPO - World Intellectual Property
UK
USA There is a differentiation between marks used for products or services Classification called service-marks used for services.
EU European CTM Community Trade Mark (CTM) which covers the mark in all EU countries.
Ireland
Sweden
Australia
Canada