Image copyright is a form of intellectual property that protects original photos, illustrations, and other visual works. Unlike traditional copyright, which covers things like books and music, image copyright does not require the creator to register their work with the government. Instead, the copyright is automatically conferred as soon as the work is created. This means that anyone who takes a photo or creates an illustration has the exclusive right to control how that work is used. This includes the right to reproduce, distribute, and display the work. Image copyright can be a valuable asset for photographers and other visual artists. By controlling how their work is used, creators can ensure that they are compensated for their efforts. For example, a photographer could sell reproduction rights to a magazine in order to have their work published. Image copyright can also help to prevent others from unfairly profiting from someone else's hard work. For instance, if a company were to use a copyrighted photo without permission, the creator could take legal action to stop them and seek damages.