Copyright laws ensure that only the creator of a work – the copyright owner – possesses the right to make and distribute copies of the work for profit. This protection usually lasts through the life of the author, plus seventy years. Copyright protection is extended to nearly every original work fixed in a tangible medium of expression. It covers writings, images, artwork, videos, musical works, sound recordings, motion pictures, computer programs, etc. Even if the work has not been formally registered with the U.S. copyright office and even if it lacks a “copyright notice” stating its status as a copyrighted work, it is still protected by copyright laws.