When does a work become protected by copyright?

A work becomes protected by copyright at the moment it is created and fixed in a tangible form. This means that as soon as an author writes down a story, paints a picture, records a song, or creates any other original work, their exclusive rights to that work are established. Fixation in a tangible medium could include formats such as paper, digital files, or any other physical or digital medium where the work can be perceived or reproduced.

This principle is a fundamental aspect of copyright law, emphasizing the importance of originality and fixation without requiring registration, publication, or the display of a copyright symbol, which are often misunderstood as prerequisites for copyright protection. While registering can provide legal advantages and is often encouraged, it is not necessary for the work to be protected from the moment of its creation.