What type of copyright protects original works of authorship?

The correct answer is Statutory copyright, which protects original works of authorship. Statutory copyright refers specifically to the legal framework established by the Copyright Act of 1976 in the United States, which automatically grants copyright protection to creators of original works such as literature, music, and visual art as soon as the work is fixed in a tangible medium of expression. This form of copyright is essential for creators because it provides them with exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, perform, and display their works.

Statutory copyright also delineates the duration of protection, registration processes, and the ability to enforce rights in court. It is distinct because it does not require the creator to formally register their work to have protection, although registration can provide additional legal benefits.

Other types mentioned do not accurately describe how copyright functions under U.S. law. Creative copyright is not an established term in copyright law, common law copyright refers to copyright protection that existed before statutory law and can vary by jurisdiction, and design copyright typically refers to specific protections for artistic designs under a different framework, usually focusing on industrial designs rather than original authorship.