Copyright protects the expression of ideas (such as books, music, films, and software), giving creators exclusive rights to use and monetize their works. It arises automatically upon creation and lasts for the creator’s lifetime plus 60 years in India.

Patent protects inventions—new, useful, and non-obvious products or processes—granting inventors exclusive rights for a limited period (20 years from the filing date). Obtaining a patent requires a detailed application and examination process.

In essence, copyright covers creative works, while patents cover technical inventions. Both are crucial forms of intellectual property, but they serve different purposes and protect different kinds of human achievement.