Which term refers to the exclusive ownership of an original expressive work for a limited time?

• A. Trademark
• B. Trade secret
• C. Copyright
• D. Patent

Answer: (C)

Copyright protects original expressive works fixed in a tangible form and gives the creator exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, perform, display, and create derivative works for a limited time. The protection typically lasts for the life of the author plus a number of years (commonly life plus 70 in many jurisdictions), and it applies automatically once the work is fixed in a tangible medium. This means ideas, facts, or methods aren’t covered, only the particular expression of them. It also doesn’t function like a brand or invention protection: trademarks guard brand identifiers, patents cover new inventions or processes for a set term, and trade secrets protect confidential business information as long as secrecy is maintained. The limited-time nature means works eventually enter the public domain, available for use by anyone.