What term refers to the legal protection of published work rights?

• A. License
• B. Trademark
• C. Copyright
• D. Patent

Answer: (C)

Copyright is the term for the legal protection of published works. It covers original creations fixed in a tangible form—like writing, music, art, software, or photos—and gives the creator exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, display, perform, and create derivative works. These rights help ensure the author can control how the work is used and can receive credit and compensation. A license is simply permission to use someone else’s copyrighted work, not a protection itself. A trademark protects brand names, logos, and other identifiers, while a patent guards new inventions or processes. Copyright often arises automatically when the work is fixed in a tangible medium, with registration providing additional legal benefits in some jurisdictions.