It seems that applying for a patent for an anime character can get greater protection than copyright. Is it true?/You don't say. Copyright is the legal ownership of the right to copy computer programs, literary works, musical works, photos, movies and so on. Copyright is usually considered to belong to the author unless it is transferred to another party.
According to the introduction of invention patent application in Patent Law, cartoon image patent is more suitable for applying for appearance patent. Appearance design refers to a new design that is aesthetically pleasing and suitable for industrial application in the shape, pattern or combination of products and the combination of colors, shapes and patterns. In the existing legal system of intellectual property rights, the protection of intellectual property rights and design patents in animation industry is considered to be stronger than copyright.
Because when an animation image passes a patent application and becomes a design with a patent right, it is illegal for any unit or individual except the obligee to manufacture patented products and sell the design for the purpose of production and operation without authorization. For well-known cartoon images, besides copyright, protection is also very important.
The scope of design patent includes: the shape of the product; The style of the product; The shape and pattern of the product; The shape and color of the product; Patterns and colors of products; The shape, pattern and color of the product. If the animation image is to be patented, what requirements does this design need to meet?
(1) refers to the design of shape, pattern, color or their combination;
(2) It must be the design of product appearance;
(3) it must be beautiful;
(4) It must be suitable for industrial application.
Well, I hope the professional answer can help you!