Copyright protects works of literature and art. It protects the expression and not the content of an idea. Thus, it is the concrete work in which an idea finds expression that is protected, not the idea itself.

For example, a scientific treatment of Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity is protected as a literary work, but not the theory itself. Copyright automatically exists the moment a creation comes into existence. No formalities or filing is possible or necessary. No registration for copyrights exists.

Benefits: The copyright owner determines whether, when, and how his work will be used. «To use» means, specifically, reproducing, distributing, making accessible (e.g., putting a work on the internet), performing and presenting, broadcasting and rebroadcasting and adapting (e.g., translating the work).