Characteristics

Like any kind of property, copyright can normally be assigned, inherited or otherwise passed on to others. This gives the creator the possibility to commercially exploit his creation, and to thereby make a living from his creative efforts. By way of example, the author of a literary work can sell his copyright to a publisher who converts the literary work in, say, a book which in turn he tries to sell to booksellers, or a wider audience of readers. In commercial or accountancy terms, copyright or rights granted through licences are therefore the "assets" of publishers.