What Is Copyright?

Copyright is legal protection for original works of authorship, such as writing, art, music and software code, that arises automatically once the work is fixed in a tangible form.

Category: Legal and IP · Reviewed 11 November 2026 · 2 min read

How it works

In the US, copyright protection attaches automatically when an original work is fixed in a tangible form, such as written down, recorded or saved as a file. Registration with the US Copyright Office is optional, but it is generally required before filing an infringement lawsuit over a US work, and it brings other advantages.

Copyright protects the expression of an idea, not the idea itself, and not facts, systems or methods of operation. The owner has exclusive rights to copy, distribute, adapt and publicly perform or display the work, subject to exceptions such as fair use. For works created by an individual today, the term is generally the author's life plus 70 years, with different rules for works made for hire. The Copyright Office explains the duration rules.

Example

For example, a developer writes the source code for an app. The code is protected by copyright as soon as it is saved. A competitor who copies the code file may infringe. A competitor who builds a similar app with different code, based on the same idea, generally does not.

Why founders care

Startups produce copyrightable material constantly: code, website text, designs, videos and documentation. Ownership can be unclear when contractors create the work, because the contractor may be the default owner unless there is a written assignment or a qualifying work-made-for-hire agreement. Open source licenses also attach conditions to code.

Common mistakes

Assuming a contractor's work belongs to the company without a written agreement.
Thinking copyright protects a business idea or a product name.
Using third-party images or code without checking the license.
Believing a copyright notice is required for protection.

Frequently asked questions