The Difference Between Trademarks and Other Intellectual Properties

Articles | Sunday - 13 / 07 / 2025 - 3:18 pm

In the world of entrepreneurship and innovation, there’s much talk about protecting ideas and intangible assets. However, many people get confused between trademarks, patents, and copyrights. In this article, we’ll explain the difference between these intellectual property rights and when each should be registered.

1. Trademark

Definition: A symbol, name, or design used to distinguish a company’s products or services from others. Examples: The “Nike” swoosh, the name “Pepsi,” the name “Coca-Cola.” Responsible Authority: The Intellectual Property Protection Device – Trademark Office. Protection Duration: 10 years, renewable. Purpose: To protect commercial identity from imitation or usurpation.

2. Patent

Definition: Legal protection granted to a new invention that involves an inventive step and is industrially applicable. Examples: New machines, software technologies, pharmaceutical compositions. Responsible Authority: The Patent Office – Academy of Scientific Research and Technology. Protection Duration: 20 years from the filing date. Purpose: To prevent others from manufacturing, selling, or using the invention without permission.

3. Copyright

Definition: Automatic protection granted to literary, artistic, and software works upon their creation. Examples: Books, films, artworks, computer programs, digital content. Responsible Authority: The Central Administration for Censorship of Works – Ministry of Culture. Protection Duration: The author’s lifetime + 50 years after their death. Purpose: To prevent copying, publishing, or distributing the work without the rights holder’s permission.

4. When to Register Each Type?

Type of Protection	Register if…
Trademark	You have a distinctive commercial name or logo you want to use in the market.
Patent	You’ve developed a new, innovative technology or idea that is industrially applicable.

You’ve created a literary, artistic, or software work and want to protect it.

Each type of intellectual property plays a different role in protecting your work and projects. Don’t just register your trademark; identify the appropriate type of protection for what you own and register it officially to secure your rights.