Copyright is a type of intellectual property that protects original works of authorship as soon as an author fixes the work in a tangible form of expression. "Original works of authorship" is an intentionally broad definition that is meant to encompass many different mediums, including those that may not yet exist. As soon as an author creates an original work, they are entitled to exclusive rights to reproduce, perform, distribute, create derivatives of, or display that work. 

In the United States, copyright protections are provided for by federal law in Title 17 of the United States Code (read the full text at the link below). Although specifics vary by jurisdiction, most countries have laws that protect the rights of creators of original works. Roughly 180 countries have ratified the Berne Convention, a treaty that requires signatories to maintain minimum standards of protection for original works and to protect works created by citizens of other member nations.