---
title: What is Copyright?
description: "Copyright is a bundle of automatic legal rights that protects original literary, artistic, musical, and other creative works. Copyright is a collection of rights [automatically granted](https://ami-ip.xyz/docs/is-copyright-protection-automatic/) to someone who creates an original work. ## What Copyright Protects Under Singapore law, a work is considered…"
url: "https://ami-ip.xyz/docs/what-is-copyright/"
updated: "2026-07-07"
category: Copyright
---

# What is Copyright?

Copyright is a bundle of automatic legal rights that protects original literary, artistic, musical, and other creative works.

Copyright is a collection of rights [automatically granted](https://ami-ip.xyz/docs/is-copyright-protection-automatic/) to someone who creates an original work.

## What Copyright Protects

Under Singapore law, a work is considered original if it originated from the author. This criterion is met even if someone else produces a similar work independently. For example, two photographers taking a similar photograph independently can both have their works granted copyright protection.

Copyright protects the expression of an idea, not the idea itself. This includes literary, dramatic, musical, and [artistic works](https://ami-ip.xyz/docs/what-is-a-registered-design-in-singapore/), along with sound recordings, broadcasts, cable programmes, protected performances, and published editions. The copyright owner has exclusive rights to reproduce, publish, perform, communicate, and adapt their work.

## Works Covered & How to Licence

Copyright covers original expression and gives the owner exclusive rights to reproduce, publish, perform, communicate, and adapt the work.

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