Which term refers to the exclusive right to make copies and exploit a literary or artistic work?

The term that refers to the exclusive right to make copies and exploit a literary or artistic work is copyright. Copyright grants creators the legal authority to control how their original works are used and distributed, preventing others from reproducing or using the work without permission. This protection applies to a wide range of creative expressions, including literature, music, art, films, and software, ensuring that authors and artists can benefit from their creations. The essence of copyright is to encourage the production of original works by securing financial incentives for creators.

Other terms, while related to intellectual property, serve different functions. Trademark is a protection for names, logos, and symbols that distinguish goods or services; patents are grants given for inventions, providing the right to exclude others from making or selling an invention for a certain period; and a license is an agreement that permits the use of intellectual property under specified conditions but does not inherently provide exclusive rights. Thus, copyright is the correct term in this context, specifically addressing the rights of authors and creators.