Question

Briefly define patent, copyright, and trademark, and explain how long they last.

Answer 1

Patent is nothing but the grant of property right given to the inventor for invention by the government. It is the right that makes it illegal for the use of invention by others in the same country where patent has been granted. Utility patent is granted for 20 years from the date it has been filed. Design patent is granted for 14 years from the date it has been granted.

Copyright protect the original work of owner which include literature, music, artistic works and computer software. Copyright provide the holder with the exclusive right to make multiple copies, change or distribute it. It is important to register the creation with copyright once it is created. Copyright lasts for 70 years for the work that has been created after January 1, 1978. For the work "made for hire" the copyright lasts for a term of 95 years from the year of its publication or a term of 120 years from the year of its creation.

A trademark is nothing but the word, symbol, phrase or design that makes the goods of one business different from that of the competitors. Trademark prevent unfair competition between companies that may confuse consumers in order to attract them. So, trademark helps to differentiate the products and owner's investment and reputation are protected. Trademark lasts as long as it is used.