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A copyright does not protect the author’s idea, concept or system itself, but the author’s chosen means of expression of that idea, concept or system.
Specifically, a copyright protects:
- works of literature
- works containing music, as well as any words
- works of drama, as well as musical portions
- pantomime and choreography
- depictions in pictures, graphs and sculptures
- movies and works that contain pictures plus sound
- recordings of sound and
- architecture
Please note that the categories of works subject to copyright protection are merely descriptive of the kinds of works that can receive copyright security. Other creations that do not neatly fall into one of the categories may still be protected if they can be defined in a manner that allows them to fit into a protected area. For example, "computer programs" is not a listed category. However, the Copyright Office advises that such works fall into the category of works of literature. (Copyright Office Circular 1).
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