---
title: What is the difference between a trademark and a copyright?
description: Discover the key differences between a trademark and a copyright with Legal Faqs' latest blog article. Learn how to protect your business's intellectual property and avoid legal disputes. Read now!
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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 you with legal advice on the difference between a trademark and copyright.

A trademark is a legal term for a symbol, word, or phrase that represents a product or service provided by a company. The purpose of a trademark is to distinguish one company’s products from another company's. Trademarks are registered with and recognized by the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

A copyright, on the other hand, protects literary, artistic, musical, or other types of creative works. This can include books, movies, music, and logos. Copyright law grants the creator of the work exclusive rights to use and distribute the work. Copyrights are registered with the US Copyright Office.

In summary, trademarks protect logos and brand names used to represent products or services, while copyrights protect creative works such as books and music. It is possible for a company to have both a trademark and a copyright on a particular product or service.

It is important to note that there are limitations to the protection provided by trademarks and copyrights. For example, trademarks cannot contain profanity or be too similar to another trademark, and copyrights only protect the specific expression of an idea, not the idea itself.

If you have questions about trademark or copyright law, it is best to consult with a licensed attorney who can provide specific legal advice based on your situation.

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