Can someone tell me the difference between a patent, a trademark, and a copyright and when each would be used?

Answer 1

Try this http://www.uspto.gov/

Answer 2

A patent is used to License an original object, like an invention. A trademark is a logo or emblem that represents a company, institution, or person. A copyright is used to license an original thought or idea, such as a song, artwork, or composition. They are all used to keep someone from illegally using something for monetary gain.

Answer 3

They can all be categorized as intellectual property rights. The only real difference is the category of property you are trying to protect. A trademark is simply a logo that you use to represent your business which you have filed of record with the patent office as yours. Copyrights pertain to written works and patents pertain to technical methods of manufacture. What they all have in common is that they are yours because you established the method, logo or written work as your work by public recording.

Answer 4

Patent
An exclusive right officially granted by a government to an inventor to make or sell an invention.

Trademark
A name or symbol used to show that a product is made by a particular company and legally registered so that no other manufacturer can use it.

Copyright
The legal right of creative artists or publishers to control the use and reproduction of their original works