Which form protects original works of authorship like text, software, and media?

Which form protects original works of authorship like text, software, and media?

• A. Patents
• B. Trademarks
• C. Copyrights
• D. Trade secrets

Answer: (C)

Authorial works like text, software, and media are protected by copyright because copyright covers original expressions fixed in a tangible form. It gives the creator exclusive rights to copy, distribute, perform, display, and make derivative works, plus the right to authorize others to do these things. This protection applies to the actual expression of ideas, not the ideas themselves, meaning the specific writing, code, or footage is covered, while the underlying concepts or methods are not. Patents protect inventions and new processes, not expressive works. Trademarks guard brand identifiers like names and logos used in commerce. Trade secrets protect confidential information that gives a business an advantage, as long as the information remains secret.

Authorial works like text, software, and media are protected by copyright because copyright covers original expressions fixed in a tangible form. It gives the creator exclusive rights to copy, distribute, perform, display, and make derivative works, plus the right to authorize others to do these things. This protection applies to the actual expression of ideas, not the ideas themselves, meaning the specific writing, code, or footage is covered, while the underlying concepts or methods are not.

Patents protect inventions and new processes, not expressive works. Trademarks guard brand identifiers like names and logos used in commerce. Trade secrets protect confidential information that gives a business an advantage, as long as the information remains secret.