- Copyright. This type of protection is given to creative works such as writing or drawing. Books, software, architectural drawings, articles, blog posts, graphic designs, and movies are all covered by copyright.
- Trademark. This protection is given to original words or combinations of words, symbols, and designs that you create to represent your business. The symbol TM at the end of a word indicates that trademark protection is claimed, and ® means that the trademark has been registered.
- Patent. Patent protection is given to product or process inventions, giving the creator exclusive control over how their idea is used. There are three types of patents: utility (for a process or machine), design (original graphical representations), and plant (as in flora and fauna).
- Trade secret. Trade secret protection is given to special formulas, programs, or techniques you develop that are your own (think Coke’s secret formula for its drinks or your masseuse’s particular techniques for working on you).
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