Does copyright require registration to provide protection for a work?

Copyright protection is automatic upon the creation of an original work, which is why the correct answer highlights that registration is not a requirement for protection to exist. As soon as a creator expresses their idea in a tangible form—be it writing, music, artwork, or any other medium—the work is protected by copyright law without the need for registration. This automatic protection ensures that the creator has exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and display their work.

While registration can offer additional legal advantages, such as the ability to file a lawsuit for infringement and eligibility for statutory damages, it is not a prerequisite for the existence of copyright. This means that even if an author or artist never registers their work, they still hold copyright protection and can enforce their rights against unauthorized use.

The other options suggest various conditions under which protection might occur, suggesting a misunderstanding of how copyright functions. However, the fundamental principle remains that copyright is inherently tied to the act of creation itself, making registration an optional but beneficial step rather than a requirement.