How things become copyrighted?

Copyright is automatically granted when an original work is created and fixed in a tangible medium of expression, such as writing, recording, or digital format. The creator does not need to register the work for copyright protection, although registration can provide legal advantages. Copyright protects the expression of ideas, not the ideas themselves, and typically lasts for the creator's lifetime plus 70 years. To maintain copyright, the creator must ensure the work is not used without permission and may need to take legal action against infringement.