What does copyright grant to the creator of an original work?

Copyright grants the creator of an original work exclusive rights to the work itself. This means that the creator has the authority to control how their creation is used, distributed, and modified. The scope of these rights typically includes the ability to reproduce the work, prepare derivative works, distribute copies, and publicly perform or display the work. This comprehensive protection enables the creator to benefit from their intellectual property, ensuring that no one else can use their work without permission.

While the other options touch on aspects of copyright—such as distribution, modification, and selling—the correct answer encapsulates the overall essence of copyright law, which is to provide the creator with exclusive rights over their entire work. This foundational principle is crucial for protecting the interests of artists, authors, and other creators in a wide range of fields.