April 30, 20265 min read
Trademarks and copyrights protect very different things, but the two are often used interchangeably in conversation. Understanding the distinction shapes how you protect your work.
A trademark protects identifiers of commercial origin: names, logos, slogans, and other signals that tell customers where something comes from.
Copyright protects original creative expression: writing, images, music, code, and other works of authorship.
In practice, a single project may involve both. A brand launch usually includes trademark filings for names and logos, and copyright considerations for design, photography, and content.