Entity: COPYRIGHT
Copyright is the exclusive legal right to reproduce, publish, sell, or distribute original works of authorship. It grants creators control over their creations and prevents unauthorized use by others.
COPYRIGHT
Etymology
The term 'copyright' originates from the concept of the right to copy, referring to the exclusive legal rights granted to creators to reproduce, publish, sell, or distribute their original works.
Definition
Copyright is a form of intellectual property that protects original works of authorship by granting creators exclusive rights to control the reproduction, distribution, and public performance of their works. These rights typically include the right to create derivative works and the right to receive attribution for the work.
Historical Context
The concept of copyright has evolved over centuries, with early forms of protection dating back to ancient times. The modern copyright system, as we know it today, began to take shape in the 18th century with the Statute of Anne in 1710, which was the first copyright law.
Cultural Significance
Copyright plays a crucial role in promoting creativity and innovation by providing creators with the incentive to produce new works. It also ensures that creators can benefit financially from their creations and have control over how their works are used and distributed.
Related Concepts
- Intellectual Property: Copyright is a subset of intellectual property rights, which also include patents, trademarks, and trade secrets.
- Fair Use: A legal doctrine that allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research.
See Also
A form of intellectual property that protects original works of authorship by granting creators exclusive rights to control the reproduction, distribution, and public performance of their works.