What is the difference between a patent and a trademark, and what types of inventions are eligible for patent protection?

A patent and a trademark are both types of intellectual property protections, but they serve different purposes and protect different types of creations. A patent is a legal protection granted to inventors for their new, useful, and non-obvious inventions, while a trademark is a legal protection for brand names, logos, and other identifying marks.

In terms of eligibility for patent protection, an invention must meet three criteria: novelty, usefulness, and non-obviousness. Novelty means that the invention is new and has not been publicly disclosed or made available for sale prior to the application for the patent. Usefulness means that the invention has a practical application and can be used in some way. Non-obviousness means that the invention is not an obvious combination of existing ideas or inventions, and would not have been obvious to someone skilled in the field.

There are several types of inventions that are eligible for patent protection. These include:

1. Utility patents: These patents protect new and useful processes, machines, articles of manufacture, and compositions of matter.
2. Design patents: These patents protect new, original, and ornamental designs for articles of manufacture.
3. Plant patents: These patents protect new and distinct varieties of plants that have been asexually reproduced.

On the other hand, trademarks are used to protect brand names, logos, and other identifying marks. A trademark can be a word, phrase, symbol, or design that is used to identify and distinguish the goods or services of one business from those of another. A trademark provides exclusive rights to use the mark in connection with the goods or services for which it is registered, and allows the owner to prevent others from using a similar mark that could cause confusion or dilution of the brand.

In summary, the main difference between patents and trademarks is that patents protect inventions, while trademarks protect brands. Patents protect new and useful inventions that meet certain criteria, while trademarks protect brand names, logos, and other identifying marks that distinguish one business from another. Understanding the difference between these two types of intellectual property protections is important for inventors and businesses seeking to protect their creations and brands.