Utility patents protect mechanical, electrical, or chemical features, such as a type of movement between the parts of the toy or a new combination of materials for a toy, for up to 20 years from the date of application.
Design patents cover the ornamental design or appearance of a toy for a term of 14 years from the date of the patent grant.
Trademarks are used to protect a particular word, name, or symbol for a toy. Mattel has a trademark for the company name, and Mattel’s Barbie is a trademark for the product name. A trademark will last forever if the toy is still being manufactured and sold. Trademarks are unusual because both state and federal registrations are available, while patents are protected only under federal laws.
Copyrights protect the toy as a tangible work of art for the life of the "author" or creator of the work plus an additional 70 years. Toy copyrights are typically classified as a visual art.
