Copyright is a type of intellectual property (IP) that protects original works of authorship as soon as an author fixes the work in a tangible form of expression. Intellectual property rights protect creations of the mind. This includes copyrightable creative works—but also inventions protected by patents, brands protected by trademarks, and commercially valuable information protected under trade secret law. Unlike some other areas of IP, which require government action to secure protection, copyright protection is automatic—although registration with the Copyright Office confers additional benefits.
- Hall, A. (2025, Jan. 30). Lifecycle of Copyright: 1929 works in the Public Domain. Copyright Creativity at Work. https://blogs.loc.gov/copyright/2025/01/lifecycle-of-copyright-1929-works-in-the-public-domain/
