Copyrighted materials are creative works that are protected by law, meaning that the original creator has exclusive rights to use and distribute them. This includes things like books, music, movies, and artwork. When someone creates something original, they automatically own the copyright, which prevents others from copying or using their work without permission. When you see a copyright symbol (©), it indicates that the material is protected. If you want to use copyrighted materials, you usually need to get permission from the creator or pay a licensing fee. This helps ensure that artists and creators can earn a living from their work.