Copyright is a legal protection that gives creators exclusive rights to their original works, such as books, music, films, and art. This means that only the creator can reproduce, distribute, or display their work. Copyright helps ensure that artists and authors can earn a living from their creations and prevents others from using their work without permission. When a work is created, it is automatically protected by copyright as soon as it is fixed in a tangible form, like being written down or recorded. However, registering the work with a copyright office can provide additional legal benefits, making it easier to enforce rights if someone infringes on them.