Copyright is a legal right that protects original works of authorship, such as literature, music, art, films, software, and other creative expressions. It grants the creator exclusive rights to use, reproduce, distribute, and display their work, typically for a specific period.
Key Features of Copyright:
- Automatic Protection: Copyright is automatically granted when an original work is created and fixed in a tangible form (e.g., written, recorded, or saved digitally).
- Exclusive Rights: The copyright owner can control how their work is used, including reproduction, distribution, public display, and creating derivative works.
- Duration: Copyright usually lasts for the creator’s lifetime plus a certain number of years (e.g., 70 years in many jurisdictions).
- No Registration Required: Although copyright arises automatically, registering it with a copyright office can provide legal benefits, such as evidence in disputes.
What Does Copyright Protect?
- Books, articles, and written content
- Music and lyrics
- Visual art like paintings, sculptures, and photography
- Films, videos, and TV shows
- Software and websites
- Architectural designs
What Copyright Does Not Protect:
- Ideas, concepts, or procedures
- Facts and data
- Public domain works
- Short phrases or titles (e.g., slogans)
Copyright empowers creators by ensuring they benefit from their work while promoting creativity and innovation in society.