Copyrights protect artistic works such as books, photographs, arts, movies and music.
A trademark protects a word, phrase, symbol and/or design that distinguishes the source of the goods. A trademark, if properly maintained, can last forever.
A patent protects “any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof”. Unlike trademarks, which protect a brand name and recognition, a patent protects an invention, including the functionality or design. A patent gives the owner the exclusive right to manufacture products or employ processes covered by the patent for 20 years from the earliest priority date.