What is the difference between a patent and a trademark?

A patent and a trademark serve different purposes in the realm of intellectual property. A patent is a legal right granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office that gives an inventor exclusive rights to their invention for a limited period of time, typically twenty years. This means the inventor can prevent others from making, using, or selling the invention without permission. Patents can apply to inventions, processes, machines, and compositions of matter. In contrast, a trademark is a sign, symbol, or logo that distinguishes the goods or services of one entity from those of others. It is designed to protect brand identity and consumer recognition. Trademarks do not expire as long as they are actively used and renewed, unlike patents, which have a fixed term. While patents protect inventions and ideas, trademarks safeguard branding elements in the marketplace. It is important to understand these distinctions when considering protecting intellectual property. For further information on this topic, one might look for resources on the official USPTO website.