What is covered by a copyright?

Answer: A copyright protects original works of authorship.  Copyrights exist automatically, as soon as a work is fixed in a tangible form.  Copyright law protects literary works (including computer programs); musical works; dramatic works; pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works (including maps); motion picture and other audiovisual works; sound recordings; and architectural works.  Copyright law protects materials on websites and in electronic databases, as well as in hard copy.