Copyright is a form of intellectual property rights that grants legal protection to original creative works, such as literature, music, art, and software. It provides the creator or owner of the work exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, perform, and display their creation for a specified period, typically the lifetime of the creator plus 70 years. Copyright protection arises automatically upon the creation of the work and does not require formal registration, though registration can offer additional legal benefits. Infringement of copyright can result in legal actions, including damages and injunctions. Copyright law balances the protection of creators’ rights with the promotion of creativity and innovation by providing a framework for fair use and public domain exemptions.