How to copyright and patent protection differ?
A copyright only protects you from copying. A patent may offer broader protection (depending on the craft in the Claims) from imitators. This example illustrates the difference: If you create a new computer program and someone copies it with minimal changes (see a lawyer for definition), you can sue them. If you accomplish a new goal with your new computer program and someone sees you accomplished that goal, they can create a different program without violating your copyright. However, if you patent the method for attaining the goal (using your computer program as an example of how to attain the goal), you can sue for patent infringement even if the other party did not have access to your computer program.
