visual arts copyright

Visual arts copyright protects original artworks—such as paintings, drawings, photographs, and digital images—from unauthorized use or reproduction. The creator automatically owns rights to their work, meaning others can't copy, sell, or display it without permission. This legal protection encourages artists to create by ensuring they can control how their work is used and receive credit or compensation. Copyright lasts for a set period, after which the work enters the public domain. It’s important for consumers and users to respect these rights to avoid legal issues and support the rights of creators.