What does "copyright" protect?

Copyright specifically protects the exclusive rights of creators to their original works, which can include literary, musical, artistic, and other creative expressions. This protection grants creators the legal authority to control how their works are used, reproduced, distributed, and displayed. By securing these rights, copyright law aims to encourage creativity and innovation, allowing creators to benefit financially from their work while preventing unauthorized use by others.

The other options do not align with the purpose of copyright. Legal registrations for business names pertain to trademark law, which protects brands and logos rather than creative works. The publishing rights of companies are related to contractual agreements and not the overarching protections established by copyright. The notion of a general license for product distributions does not correctly reflect how copyright functions, as it pertains specifically to the use of creative works rather than a broad permission for distribution.