
Copyright is a legal concept that grants creators exclusive rights to their original works of authorship, such as literary, artistic, musical, and other intellectual works. This protection is designed to prevent unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, or display of these works, ensuring that the creator can control and benefit financially from their creations. Copyright protection arises automatically upon the creation of a work, though registration with a copyright office can provide additional legal advantages. The duration of copyright varies by jurisdiction but generally extends for the life of the author plus a number of years. Key aspects of copyright law include fair use, public domain, and moral rights, which collectively balance the interests of creators and the public.