Copyright is the exclusive right to creative works of various intellectual effort, provided that the creation is sufficiently original.

Notes, lyrics and movies may be copyrighted. Even other forms of expression such as computer software, architecture, applied art et cetera may be protected by copyright.

Since copyrighting doesn't require registration, the producer of a creative work may have extensive immaterial property rights without their knowledge. There are several international agreements that provide protection in different countries, at the same time with no other costs than to create the actual work. One of the main benefits of copyright law is that it's easy to understand. However, the lack of copyright registration means that the protection can sometimes be perceived as weaker than other intellectual property rights.

Copyright rights are considered territorial rights, which means they do not extend beyond the territory of a particular jurisdiction. While many aspects of national copyright laws have been standardized through international copyright agreements, copyright laws vary from country to country.

Typically, the duration of copyright covers the author's life plus 50 to 100 years. Some countries require some copyright enforcement formalities for copyright, but most acknowledge copyright for each completed work without formal registration. In general, copyright is treated as civil affairs, although some jurisdictions apply criminal penalties.

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