What is "Copyright"?

Copyright ownership gives the owner the exclusive right to use the work, with some exceptions. When a person creates an original work, fixed in a tangible medium, he or she automatically owns copyright to the work.

Many types of works are eligible for copyright protection, for example:

• Audiovisual works, such as TV shows, movies, and online videos

• Sound recordings and musical compositions

• Written works, such as lectures, articles, books, and musical compositions

• Visual works, such as paintings, posters, and advertisements

• Video games and computer software

• Dramatic works, such as plays and musicals