Which term refers to the legal protection of published works?

• A. Copyright
• B. Licensure
• C. Publication
• D. Certification

Answer: (A)

Copyright protects the expression of ideas that are fixed in a tangible form. When someone creates a work—like a book, song, painting, or software—and records it so others can perceive it, the creator gains exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, adapt, perform, and display that work. This protection helps creators control how their work is used and, in many places, lasts for a set period of time. Among the options, copyright is the term that fits this description because licensure is about permission to practice a profession, publication is the act of releasing a work to the public, and certification is about proving competence.