Key points
A trademark identifies the commercial source of goods or services through a name, logo or other sign. A patent addresses a qualifying technical solution, not a brand name or general business idea. The same product may need several rights: a trademark for the name, a patent or utility model for technology, design protection for appearance and copyright for original code or content.
Practical next steps
Start with the asset, owner, target market and the rights that may already exist.
Understand how trademarks protect brands while patents protect qualifying technical solutions.
What to remember
No. The purpose is to assess risk and choose a better-informed strategy.
Frequently asked questions
What should be reviewed first?
Start with the asset, owner, target market and the rights that may already exist.
Does this guarantee an outcome?
No. The purpose is to assess risk and choose a better-informed strategy.