Copyright is a type of intellectual property protection that allows creators of original works of authorship fixed in a physical medium of expression exclusive rights. These works include literary works, music, visual arts, films, and software code, among other forms of creative and artistic expression. The exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, publicly exhibit, perform, and make derivative works based on the original invention are held by the copyright owner. This legal safeguard stimulates innovation by assuring artists that their works would be protected from unlawful use and allowing them to monetize their inventions through licensing, sales, or other economic options.