What does copyright give the creator?

Copyright grants creators exclusive rights for a limited period, which allows them to control how their original works—such as literary, musical, and artistic creations—are used. This exclusivity means that creators can decide who can reproduce, distribute, perform, or display their work, preventing others from using it without permission. The limited duration of copyright is intentional, encouraging creativity and innovation while eventually allowing works to enter the public domain for wider accessibility and use.

The other options do not accurately represent the nature of copyright. The ability to control the distribution of inventions is typically covered by patents rather than copyright, while protection against service marks relates to trademark law, not copyright. Lastly, full rights for unlimited time contradict the fundamental principle of copyright, which is designed to expire after a specific term to promote a balance between creators’ rights and public access to creative works.