Copyright: Why Software Infringement Is Stranger Than Beyoncé Ripping Off Mitsou

Twenty years ago, copyright primarily evoked music, film and literature.  As each of these became easily mass producible, the right to stop people from copying became more important.  Although, music, film and literature are probably the most well-known, copyright can protect music, sound recordings, software code, books, statues, paintings, photos, websites, etc.  The U.S. Copyright office has published a very general summary of copyright that you may find useful.

The test for copyright infringement typically requires (1) a valid copyright in the original work, (2) actual copying, and (3) substantial similarity between the original and the copy (your mileage may vary on this part depending on your particular court).