Copyright is the right to control the making and distribution of copies of an original work. It applies to images, written documents, music, etc.
A trademark is an image, word/phrase/slogan and/or combination thereof that is associated with a business or product. Trademarks (usually?) only apply in a specific area. For example, Johnson & Johnson has trademarked the red cross symbol with respect to medical supplies and equipment, but that does not necessarily mean that a clothing manufacturer (for example) would not be able to use a red cross. Trademarks can be lost if the object is considered have lost it's association with the product or company and must be defended.
Patents protect formulas (ex. Coke), mechanical inventions, and processes. |
