What does copyright law protect?

Copyright law is designed to protect the rights of creators of original authored works. This includes a wide range of creative expressions such as literature, music, art, film, and software code. The fundamental principle of copyright is to grant the creator exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, perform, display, or license their work.

This protection applies automatically once an original work is fixed in a tangible medium of expression, meaning that the work is sufficiently expressed to allow others to perceive it, whether that’s in writing, recording, or a digital format. The duration of copyright protection typically lasts for the life of the author plus an additional number of years, which varies by jurisdiction, thereby ensuring that the creator enjoys control and potential financial return from their work for a significant period.

This framework encourages creativity and innovation by allowing authors to benefit from their work without the fear of unauthorized copying or distribution. It fundamentally supports the rights of artists and creators to maintain the integrity and economic value of their original works.

In contrast, the other options address areas outside the specific purview of copyright law. For example, patents relate to inventions and new products, trademarks protect brand images and marketing materials, and trade secrets involve confidential business information that provides a competitive edge. These areas are governed