Copyright is a form of intellectual property protection granted to creators of original works of authorship, including literary, artistic, musical, and digital content. It provides the creator with exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, perform, display, or license the work for a specified period. Copyright protection arises automatically upon creation in many jurisdictions, though registration may strengthen enforcement rights. In international trade, copyright laws protect books, software, films, designs, and other creative products from unauthorized copying or distribution. Violations, known as copyright infringement, can result in civil or criminal penalties. International agreements such as the Berne Convention harmonize copyright protection across member countries. Businesses engaged in publishing, software development, media production, or branding rely on copyright to safeguard creative assets and generate revenue through licensing. Effective copyright protection encourages innovation, creativity, and fair competition in the global marketplace.