Tuesday 2 December 2008

How long do they all last?

Copyright
The term of copyright for a particular work depends on several factors, including whether it has been published, and, if so, the date of first publication. As a general rule, for works created after January 1, 1978, copyright protection lasts for the life of the author plus an additional 70 years. For an anonymous work, a pseudonymous work, or a work made for hire, the copyright endures for a term of 95 years from the year of its first publication or a term of 120 years from the year of its creation, whichever expires first.

Trademark
Unlike a patent or a copyright, which only lasts for a specified number of years, trademark protections last indefinitely. As long as the trademark owner continues to use the mark, and as long as the mark does not become generic, the trademark owner will continue to have rights in the mark.

Patent
For 20 years, nobody else can make or sell doohickey’s without your permission. However, anyone can find out how to make and use the doohickey because the patent itself will be made available by the government.

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