Copyright is generally defined as rights that are granted to the author or creator of an original work. Original works include works such as written or literary works, musical compositions, photographs, dramatic performances, paintings, sculptures, computer software, movies, choreography and architecture.

Under copyright law, the rights granted to the author or creator generally include the right to copy, distribute and adapt the work for a specific period of time. There are limitations and exceptions to copyright, such as fair use which do not require permission from the copyright owner. Copyright owners can license or permanently transfer or assign their exclusive rights to others.

Importantly, copyright does not protect underlying ideas but rather only their expression.

In most jurisdictions copyright arises upon creation and does not need to be formally registered.