Copyrights are rights granted to protect the tangible expression of an idea. Most commonly a copyright is thought of as the right of an author to prevent others from unauthorized copying or publication of the author's written work. However, the protection also covers such works as paintings, motion pictures, music, and computer programs.

One of the key factors is production of the work in a tangible form, such as, written on paper or recorded on magnetic tape. An idea which can not be reduced to tangible form will not be afforded copyright protection. The tangible expression of the idea rather than the idea itself is protected by the copyright. Copyright rights to a written description or photograph of an invention grant protection from others copying the description or photograph, but may not, by themselves, be used to prevent others from copying the invention. As a further example, the ideas expressed in a book may be freely copied by anyone, only the specific wording of the expression of those ideas in the book is protected by copyright.

Contrary to popular belief, copyright rights begin as soon as soon as the work is set down in tangible form. That is, the protection afforded by copyright laws arises without further action by the producer. A few additional procedures, however, enhance those rights. A notice similar to Copyright © 2002 Gene R. Woodle should be placed on any copyrighted materials. The year is not ordinarily necessary on visual works. If the material is about to be distributed to the public it is a good idea to add "All Rights Reserved." (Recordings and records have a "p" in the circle rather than a "c.") This notification serves to announce that a copyright is claimed. Registration of the copyright with the Copyright Office not only provides some proof of ownership and timing, but by statute sets out certain damages and costs which may be claimed in a copyright infringement suit.