Protects business and product names, logos, and slogans
For business and product owners
Attorney assistance available
No one else can use your trademark to sell similar products/services
You can file a federal lawsuit to stop competitors from using and profiting from your mark
Allows you to use the ® symbol and notify the public of your ownership
Can last forever, but must file maintenance forms at 5 years, 10 years, and every 10 years after that
Protects books, articles, plays, films, songs, photos, art, architectural works, software, etc.
For authors, artists, architects, and other creative professionals
Must be an actual piece of work, ideas alone cannot be registered
Publicizes and helps prove your ownership
You can file a federal lawsuit against anyone who uses or profits from your work without permission
Typically lasts the creator's lifetime, plus 70 years (can't be renewed)
Can last forever, but must file maintenance forms at 5 years, 10 years, and every 10 years after that
Temporarily protects your rights to an invention until you can file for a formal utility patent
For inventors who aren't ready to file for a utility patent
You can immediately start labeling your invention as "patent pending"
Keeps others from getting rights to your invention before you're able to file a formal application
Lasts for one year (can't be renewed, but you can refile)
Protects inventions, including machines, manufactured goods, processes, and chemical formulas
For inventors
Prevents others from making, using, or selling your invention without permission
Patents are considered property so you can sell or license yours
Lasts 20 years (can't be renewed)
Protects how a product looks
For inventors and designer
Prevents others from making, using, or selling your design without permission
Patents are considered property so you can sell or license yours
Lasts 15 years (can't be renewed)
It means you've filed a patent application (provisional or nonprovisional), and lets competitors know you've staked a claim to your invention.
Not necessarily. The USPTO searches high and low not only for exact matches, but also for those close enough to cause confusion. And if they find a conflict, they'll reject your application. We offer a comprehensive search for exact and similar matches before filing so you can avoid surprises later.
You could apply for both, though most people start with a trademark. A trademark protects your logo as a brand in business, while a copyright protects it as an artistic work.
You can start the process, but the USPTO won't officially register your trademark until you can show you're using it in business. Some people want to register their trademark as soon as possible, so they can be confident their brand is protected before spending time and resources building it. Others would rather get their business going to see if it's viable before registering their trademark.
Most of the time, it's one work per copyright. But there are exceptions, including group registrations, collective works, and works packaged as a single unit.
Have questions, need support, or want to learn more about our services? Our team is ready to assist you. Reach out to us through any of the channels below, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. Your legal needs are our priority.
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