An author is a person who has created a creative work and has the exclusive right to control and exploit that work. This includes the right to reproduce, distribute, perform and adapt the work.
Copyright arises automatically when a work is created and does not require formal registration. The term of copyright varies depending on the country and the type of work, but usually lasts for the life of the author plus a certain number of years after his or her death.
An author can sell or license his or her rights and enforce them in court if they are infringed. Copyright protects the interests of authors and encourages creativity and innovation.