Whats the difference between a trademark, copyright, registered, and a patent?

Question

Whats the difference between a trademark, copyright, registered, and a patent?

Answer 1

Patents provide  exclusive rights to make, use, import, sell and offer for sale an invention for up to 20 years.

Trademark protect words, names, symbols, sounds, or colors that distinguish goods and services. Trademarks, unlike patents, can be renewed forever as long as they are being used in commerce.  The roar of the MGM lion, the pink of the insulation made by Owens-Corning (who uses the Pink Panther in advertising by permission from its owner), and the shape of a Coca-Cola bottle are familiar trademarks.

Copyright protect works of authorship, such as writings, music, and works of art that have been tangibly expressed. The Library of Congress registers copyrights which last for the life of the author plus 70 years. Gone With The Wind (the book and film), Back Street Boys' recordings, and video games are all works that are copyrighted.

Both copyright and trademark have common law protection.  Further, both copyright and trademark can be registered with the Copyright Office and the US Patent and Trademark Office, respectively.  While registration isn't necessary to obtain either copyright or trademark protection, registration provides significant additional rights that the common law does not provide.

http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/ac/ahrp...