The Copyright Act

The Copyright Act is a law that protects the creators of original works—like books, music, movies, and art—by giving them exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, perform, and display their work. This legal protection encourages creativity by ensuring creators can benefit financially and control how their work is used. Rights typically last for the creator's lifetime plus 70 years. However, certain uses like fair use for commentary, education, or news reporting are allowed without permission. Overall, the law balances protecting creators' rights with public access to knowledge and culture.