What does copyright protect?

Copyright is a legal protection that applies specifically to original works of authorship, which include artistic, literary, and dramatic creations. This protection gives the creator exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and display their work. Examples of works protected by copyright include books, music, films, paintings, and software.

The focus of copyright is on the expression of ideas rather than the ideas themselves, meaning that while someone can create a similar work, they cannot copy the protected elements of someone else's creation. This framework promotes creativity by ensuring that artists and creators can control and benefit from their intellectual property.

The other options relate to different aspects of intellectual property law. Inventions and patents are protected by patent law, while trademarks and logos are covered under trademark law. Business secrets and strategies typically fall under trade secret protections, which differ significantly from copyright. Understanding these distinctions is vital for grasping how intellectual property functions and is safeguarded in various contexts.