How does a patent differ from a copyright?

Patents refer to an invention, whereas copyrights refer to the expression of an idea, such as an artistic work. They are governed by different rules, so it is important to know which is applicable to your works. ... The author does not lose these rights when they allow their work to be copied or published. read more

A patent prevents others from making, using, selling, or importing the invention, even if they independently create it. Patents prevent those knock offs - it doesn't matter what you call your machine; if it does the same thing, in the same way, with the same parts, as someone's patented machine, it infringes. read more

In other words, a patent protects an invention or product; a copyright protects a form of creative expression. It sounds simple enough, but the lines between ideas, expression, production and publication can get fuzzy. read more