---
title: What is the difference between a trademark and a copyright?
description: Looking for clarity on the difference between a trademark and a copyright? Look no further than Legal Faqs! Our latest blog covers everything you need to know about these two forms of intellectual property protection. Gain valuable insight and protect your assets today.
image: https://www.legalfaq.ai/hubfs/LegalFAQ/intellectual-property-legal-FAQs.jpg
---

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 March 25, 2023

# What is the difference between a trademark and a copyright?

![Picture of Chris Battis](https://www.legalfaq.ai/hs-fs/hubfs/battis-mug.jpg?width=50&name=battis-mug.jpg) By  [Chris Battis](https://www.legalfaq.ai/faqs/author/chris-battis)  ·   1 minute read

As a lawyer, I can provide legal advice on the difference between a trademark and a copyright.

A trademark is a symbol, word, or phrase used to identify and distinguish the goods or services of one party from another. It is meant to protect the brand name or logo associated with a specific product or service. A trademark is registered with the appropriate government agency and can last indefinitely as long as it continues to be used in commerce.

On the other hand, a copyright is a form of intellectual property protection that provides the author or creator of an original work with exclusive rights to that work. These rights include the right to reproduce, distribute, and display the work, among others. Copyright protection extends to a wide range of creative works, such as books, articles, music, films, and software.

In summary, the primary difference between a trademark and a copyright is that a trademark is used to protect a brand name, while a copyright is used to protect creative works. While the two types of protection may overlap in some instances, they are distinct legal protections that serve different purposes.

It is important to note that there may be limitations to trademark and copyright protections. For example, trademark protection may not extend to terms that are generic or descriptive of the product or service. Similarly, copyright protection may not extend to works that are not original or that are in the public domain.

If you have questions about obtaining a trademark or copyright, or if you believe that your trademark or copyright has been infringed upon, it is important to consult with a licensed attorney who can provide you with specific legal advice based on your unique circumstances.

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