Provisional Patent Application
If you're not ready to file for a utility patent, buy time and get “patent pending" status.
You created something great,
let's get it protected
Whether you need a trademark, copyright, or patent—or a little help figuring
out which one is right—we've got you covered.
out which one is right—we've got you covered.
Trademark, copyright, and patent: what's the difference?
Trademark, copyright, and
patent: what's the difference?
We know intellectual property protection can seem
complicated. We're here to make it simple.
complicated. We're here to make it simple.
Get the right intellectual
property protection
Trademark
A name, slogan, or logo that distinguishes your product or service from competitors.
Name
Logo
“The best burger
in the world”
in the world”
Slogan
Copyright
Keep your original creative work from being used without your consent.
Books
Songs
Photos
Art
Films
Articles
Software
and more
Patent
Protects how your invention works, or the way your product looks.
Frequently
asked questions
What's the difference between a copyright and a trademark?
Copyrights protect original creative works, including books, movies, songs, paintings, photos, web content, and choreography. Trademarks protect business and product names, slogans, and logos to help customers tell brands apart.
What are the benefits of registering your trademark?
When you register your trademark, you get strong nationwide protection and the right to file a federal lawsuit against anyone who copies it.
What's the difference between the ™ symbol and the ® symbol?
Anyone can use the ™ symbol on their trademark, but it doesn't protect it. The ® symbol means your mark is registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), giving you all the legal protections that come with it.
What's the difference between a utility patent and a design patent?
A utility patent protects how an invention works. A design patent protects how a product looks. Some inventions may qualify for design and utility patent protection, if both the design and the function are unique and the design doesn't affect the function.
What does a provisional patent application do?
A provisional patent application protects your rights to your invention for up to a year, giving you time to perfect it and/or complete your application for a utility patent. It essentially holds your place in line with the USPTO.
All intellectual
property services
Trademarks
Trademarks
Trademarks (cont’d)
Copyrights and Patents
Copyrights and Patents
Copyrights and Patents (cont’d)
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