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Book 26, Question 104 · Video

What's the difference between a patent, a trademark, and a copyright?

Video · 1:52 · Crafty Clover explains, from A Million Whys Book 26

They protect different things. A patent protects how an invention works. A trademark protects a name, logo, or slogan that tells customers who made something. Copyright protects creative work such as books, songs, drawings, and software code, as soon as it is created. All three give owners a way to control copies, but each has its own rules and time limits.

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What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. What's the difference between a patent, a trademark, and a copyright?

The Big Idea

Patents, trademarks, and copyrights all protect ideas. But they protect different things! Let's sort them out.

Patents

Step one: Patents. A patent protects how an invention works. It covers new machines, tools, and processes.

Trademarks

Step two: Trademarks. A trademark protects a name, logo, or slogan that tells customers who made something. It helps people know what they are buying.

Copyright

Step three: Copyright. Copyright protects creative work such as books, songs, drawings, and software code, as soon as it is created. All three control copies, but each has its own rules and time limits.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Patents cover inventions. Trademarks cover brands. Copyright covers art. Each lasts differently.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! A trademark can last as long as the owner keeps using it. Your drawings have copyright. Logos are trademarks. Machines get patents.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Look at a favorite cereal box. Find the logo. Find the picture. Find the words. Which type of protection might each have?

Outro

A patent protects how an invention works, a trademark protects names and logos, and copyright protects creative work like books, songs, and drawings. Each has its own rules. Knowing the difference helps creators protect their work. Science is amazing! The world is full of surprises. Keep asking big questions, and keep exploring with me! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!

Why I wrote this