---
title: What type of intellectual property protection is best suited for my invention- a patent or trademark?
description: If you're wondering which form of intellectual property protection is best for your invention, this blog post from Legal Faqs is for you! Discover the benefits of patents and trademarks and learn which one is the best fit for your innovation.
image: https://www.legalfaq.ai/hubfs/LegalFAQ/intellectual-property-legal-FAQs.jpg
---

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 March 23, 2023

# What type of intellectual property protection is best suited for my invention- a patent or trademark?

![Picture of Chris Battis](https://www.legalfaq.ai/hs-fs/hubfs/battis-mug.jpg?width=50&name=battis-mug.jpg) By  [Chris Battis](https://www.legalfaq.ai/faqs/author/chris-battis)  ·   1 minute read

## Legal Advice: What type of intellectual property protection is best suited for my invention- a patent or trademark?

If you have an invention, you can protect it through different types of intellectual property protections, including patents and trademarks. In general, patents are used to protect the functionality of an invention, while trademarks are used to protect the brand and image associated with a product or service.

To determine whether a patent or trademark is best suited for your invention, you may consider the following factors:

- **Functionality:** If your invention is functional and offers a new or improved way of doing something, a patent may be the best option for you.
- **Distinctiveness:** If your invention is not necessarily functional, but has a unique name, logo, or other identifying feature associated with it, a trademark may be the best option.

In some cases, you may also be able to use both patent and trademark protection to protect your invention.

Ultimately, the decision to seek patent or trademark protection will depend on the specific nature of your invention and your business goals.

Please note that this advice is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for legal advice from a licensed attorney.

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