Copyright refers to an exclusive right or form of protection provided by the laws of the United States, which is given to an author of a work that is considered original and which impedes any others from having any rights to the work for a certain amount of time. After that time, the work becomes a part of public domain. The rights relating to the work include any publication, adaptation of the work or any distribution of the work. The moment a work is created and is able to be perceived by means of a machine or device, the work is deemed to be copyright protected. Even though copyright protection is automatic upon creation of the work, it is considered wise to register your work so there is public record in the event that damages or legal proceedings are necessary.