Copyrights provide the right to exclude others for a limited time from copying the creative expression of original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium.  They extend to books, art, music, movies, plays, software and expressive arts.  Copyrights generally last for the life of the author plus 70 years and when registered provide for statutory damages.

Patents provide the right to exclude others from making, selling, offering to sell or importing patented inventions and new ornamental designs.  Inventions are new and useful machines, processes, methods of manufacture, compounds and a-sexually reproduced plants. Utility  patents and plant patents generally last for 20 years from the date of filing, and design patents 14 years from issue.

Trademarks are source identifiers and protect consumers against confusion and trademark owner’s investment and good will associated with their brand. Trademarks last indefinitely as long as they remain distinctive and are used to identify the source of goods or services. 

See a video comparing patents, trademarks and copyrights.