Copyright is a Federal regulation, part of the U.S. Constitution, Article 1, Section 8
- Congress is allowed to pass laws “to promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right in their respective writings and discoveries.”
- Allows congress to adopt both copyright laws (creative expression) and patent laws (inventions)
- Creates a financial incentive for authors / inventors to continue to contribute and create new works
- Requires that the rights expire
