What does the 1976 Copyright Act protect?

The 1976 Copyright Act protects original works of authorship, which encompasses a broad array of creative expressions, including literature, music, and art. This legislation establishes the framework for copyright law in the United States, affirming that creators have rights over their original creations as soon as they are fixed in a tangible medium. This means that when an author, composer, or artist creates something unique, they automatically gain protection for that work against unauthorized reproduction or distribution.

This protection allows creators to control how their works are used, ensuring they receive recognition and potential financial benefits from their creations. In contrast, musical scores alone would not encompass the full breadth of protections offered under this act, and public domain works are those whose copyrights have expired or never existed, thus not being protected. Finally, scientific inventions are covered under patent law, not copyright law, underscoring how the 1976 Copyright Act specifically focuses on creative and expressive works.