Why are laws fair?

Copyright law acknowledges the hard work of creators by giving them exclusive rights to their work for a limited time. It has certain limitations, defenses, and exceptions allowing others to use the materials in specific cases, but most uses must be licensed, allowing the creator to make money (if he or she chooses) from the work. After the prescribed amount of time, protection expires, and the work enters the public domain.

In short, copyright law gives creators and users certain rights and responsibilities.