Copyright means the right conferred by law upon the creator of a literary, scientific or artistic work in respect of such work. Copyright also refers to the entire legal institution, that is, the body of rules governing such right.

More specifically, the content of copyright consists of the right to exploit the work (economic right) and the right to protect the personal relationship between a creator and their work (moral right). Accordingly, the copyright institution lays down the rules governing the exploitation of the right and allows creators to derive economic benefits from the exploitation of their work. It also grants creators the right to protect their work from arbitrary modifications or adaptations, to decide on the manner and time of publication of their work, and to be recognised as its creator. Copyright law lies at the core of cultural life. It governs cultural production, particularly the production of literary, musical, scientific, fine art and cinematographic works.  It therefore contributes to the advancement of culture, science and the economy. The existence and operation of the institution ensure the above, as it constitutes the sole means by which cultural creation and production can be financed.