I'm playing with an idea in my head and just want to get a little clarification on some things before I become serious about anything.

What is the difference between a trademark, patent, and copyright?
Let's say that I am thinking of designing a t shirt for sale with an exclusive design on it but I want to protect it. What would I put on that? And the bigger question, is it worth it?

I know a few years ago I had looked into a copyright for something and what I discovered is that A) the copyright process wasn't entirely cheap and B) copyright was essentially worthless if you didn't have the money to have high powered lawyers to back it up if someone wanted to steal it.

So, should I bother and if so, would it be trademark, patent, or copyright?

As I understand them... Trademark is a name of a business entity. Patent, has to do the invention of design of a product... Such as a wgget that removes thingamabobs out of doohickeys... copyright is something like visual, audio or printed works.

T-Shirt design would fall under copyright. But you are right... its on you to defend it.. and that takes deep pockets.

Years ago, I took a course in this in library school. Call your library reference desk. There are ways to protect yourself.