Unlike a trademark, which must be registered with the U.S. PTO, and determined to be sufficiently “unique” before it can be protected, copyrighted works are protected from the moment they are created. Copyright law applies to visual and written works, from movies, audio recordings, or online videos, to musical compositions, and written works, such as books, advertisements, lectures or pamphlets. A copyright does not need to be applied for or registered in order to be protected by copyright law (unlike trademarks).