Is a copyright the same thing as a patent?

Answer 1

No, a patent covers an idea or invention - something novel that has a usefulness to it.

A copyright covers something written or recorded such as a book, article, song, recording of a song, TV show, movie, etc.

Answer 2

In a sense. Both are owned by an individual and cannot be reproduced without the owners permission. A copyright is usually a "visual" entity such as a design logo or even songs music and words. It can also be an article or book. A patent is usually applied to the way something is made including the design of the product.