Which type of work is protected by copyrights?

Copyright protection is specifically designed for original works of authorship that are fixed in a tangible medium of expression. This category encompasses a wide range of creative outputs, including artistic and literary works such as books, music, films, paintings, and software. The essence of copyright is to provide creators with exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and publicly perform their work, thus encouraging creativity and innovation.

In contrast, inventions and designs fall under patent law, which protects inventions and the functional aspects of designs. Trade secrets and business plans are safeguarded by trade secret laws, which focus on keeping proprietary information confidential rather than offering exclusive ownership rights. Finally, brand names and logos are typically protected through trademark law, which ensures that businesses can protect their brand identity from misuse or imitation.

Therefore, the correct answer highlights the unique role of copyright in safeguarding the rights of creators of artistic and literary works, distinguishing it from other forms of intellectual property protection.