What is known as a legal right that grants the creator of original work exclusive rights to its use and distribution?

The legal right that grants the creator of original work exclusive rights to its use and distribution is known as copyright. Copyright is designed to protect the expression of ideas, such as literature, music, art, and other creative works, allowing the creator to control how their work is reproduced, performed, and distributed. This protection encourages creativity by ensuring that artists and authors can benefit from their creations without the fear of unauthorized use or distribution by others.

In contrast, a patent protects inventions or discoveries for a certain period, giving the inventor exclusive rights to make, use, and sell their invention. A trademark, on the other hand, is a recognizable sign, design, or expression that distinguishes goods or services, while a trade secret involves confidential business information that provides a competitive edge. Each of these rights serves different purposes, but copyright specifically pertains to the rights of creators over their original works.