What types of works are protected by copyright?

Copyright law in Washington provides protection to a wide variety of creative works such as literature, music, artwork, videos, and computer software. To be protected by copyright, a work must be tangible and represent an independent expression of an idea. The original owner of a copyrighted work has the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, perform, and display the work in its original form. Literary works, such as books, essays, poems, and plays, are protected by copyright. These works may be published in printed or digital form, and must contain a copyright notice to be fully protected under the law. Music, both recorded and performed, as well as musical compositions, are also protected by copyright. In addition to literary and musical works, graphic works such as art, photographs, and digital images are covered by copyright. The creator of the work owns the exclusive rights to its reproduction, distribution, performance, and display. Finally, computer software, from video games to operating systems, is also protected by copyright law. While the code itself can be covered by patent law, the graphical user interface and other creative elements of the software are typically protected under copyright. Like other works, computer software must be registered with the U.S. Copyright Office in order to obtain full legal protection.

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