United States Constitution, Article I, Section 8, Clause 8.
The Congress shall have power…To promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries.

Copyright laws protects authors and their published and unpublished works that are fixed in a tangible medium of expression, including:

• literary works, such as poetry, novels
• dramatic works, such as movies, plays
• musical works, such as songs
• artistic works, such as computer software, architecture

Copyright laws also address how works may be used in educational environs. Please consult the following sources for invaluable information:

• Copyright Quick Guide
• College Board Policy: Copyright 40.03 & Copyrighted Materials 40.03.01
• United States Copyright Office
• Stanford Copyright & Fair Use Center
• Association of Research Libraries: Copyright