Trademark vs Copyright vs Patent — Which Do You Need?

Short answer: a trademark protects a brand identifier (name, logo, slogan), copyright protects an original creative work (writing, music, art, film, software), and a patent protects an invention (a new product or process). Many businesses need more than one at the same time.

What does a trademark protect?

A trademark is a distinctive sign — a brand name, word, logo, slogan, label, or shape — that identifies and distinguishes your goods or services from everyone else’s. If you’ve launched a brand, product, or business name and don’t want competitors copying it, this is the right tool. Read the full trademark guide →

What does copyright protect?

Copyright protects your original creative work — writing, music, art, film, sound recordings, and software — giving you exclusive control over how it’s reproduced, distributed, displayed, and commercialised. Protection arises automatically the moment you create the work; registration adds strong, dated proof of ownership. Read the full copyright guide →

What does a patent protect?

A patent grants you exclusive rights over an invention — a new product, process, or service — so others cannot make, use, sell, or import it without your permission. It must be novel, involve an inventive step, and have industrial applicability. Read the full patent guide →

Can one asset need more than one type of protection?

Yes. The clearest example is a logo: it can qualify as both a trademark (as a brand identifier used in commerce) and a copyrighted artistic work (as the drawing itself). If you’re not sure, use our decision guide on the Services page or start an enquiry and we’ll help you figure it out.

Quick decision table

I want to protect…	Service
A brand name, logo, or slogan	Trademark
Original creative work (writing, music, art, software code)	Copyright
A new invention, product, or process	Patent
My website/app’s data-handling compliance document	Privacy Policy drafting