Patent Attorney and Founder
Hey there! Let’s talk about a common question: How do patents and trademarks work together?
I’m JD Houvener, founder of Bold Patents and a patent attorney. I also wrote Bold Ideas: The Inventor’s Guide to Patents. You can grab a free copy in the link below—it’s part of my Inventor’s Kit.
Now, let’s get into it.
What’s the Difference?
Patents protect your invention. They focus on what you’ve created and how it works. There are two main types:
- Design Patents cover how something looks. These last for 15 years.
- Utility Patents cover how something works. These last up to 20 years.
Trademarks protect your brand. They make sure customers know who made a product. This includes your name, logo, or even a slogan. And the best part? Trademarks can last forever as long as you renew them.
Why Use Both?
Think of it this way:
- A patent stops others from copying your invention for a limited time.
- A trademark protects your name and reputation for the long haul.
For example, if you invent a cool new coffee maker, a patent ensures no one else can make or sell the same design. At the same time, a trademark keeps your brand name unique. Even after the patent expires, the trademark keeps competitors from using your name.
Other Protections
Patents and trademarks are just the start. You might also need trade secrets or copyrights for extra protection. But we’ll cover those another time.
Ready to Protect Your Idea?
Check out the Inventor’s Kit below—it’s free and has everything you need to get started.
Thanks for stopping by! I’m JD Houvener from Bold Patents. Keep creating, and stay bold!