Copyright law grants creators exclusive rights over their original works for a limited time period to promote innovation. It protects the expression of ideas but not the ideas themselves. Major developments include the Statute of Anne in 1710, the US Constitution in 1789, and revisions in 1909 and 1976. Copyright law balances exclusive rights with limitations like fair use and compulsory licenses. Owners have rights to reproduce, adapt, distribute, publicly perform, and display works, subject to defenses and exceptions. Infringement requires unauthorized copying of protected expression. Available remedies include injunctions, damages, and attorney's fees.

1. Copyright Passman - pp 197-205

12. Copyright’s Exclusive Rights adaptation distribution reproduction Public performance public display