A permit is a legal document issued by a government agency that allows a business to operate. It regulates safety and is granted after an inspection. Permits must be renewed annually and fees are based on business earnings. A license certifies an individual has the required training for a job like fishing or transportation to protect consumers. A patent grants an inventor exclusive rights over an invention that is new, non-obvious and useful. A trademark identifies a business or product through words, symbols or designs. Copyright protects original creative works like books, music and software for the life of the author plus 70 years.