Which type of intellectual property can be protected by copyright?

Copyright protection applies to original works of authorship that are expressed in a tangible form, such as literature, music, visual arts, and other creative works. A mural that you painted qualifies as a work of art and fits this definition, making it eligible for copyright protection. This means that the creator holds rights to reproduce, distribute, and display the mural, preventing unauthorized use by others.

In contrast, an idea for a song cannot be copyrighted because copyright protects the expression of ideas, not the ideas themselves. Similarly, a business name does not qualify for copyright protection; it may be protectable under trademark law instead. Finally, a mathematical formula is generally not subject to copyright, as copyright does not cover abstract concepts or facts, which do not constitute original creative expression.