Top 30 Best Examples of Copyright – 2025

Copyrights are everywhere, from the books you read to the music you stream. But what exactly falls under copyright protection? This blog uncovers a treasure trove of examples that reveal how copyright works in real life. From artistic masterpieces to software, architecture, and even memes, you’ll discover the fascinating breadth of copyrighted works.

Curious about who holds copyright and how long it lasts? We’ll explain that too. With engaging examples of copyright from popular media, famous court cases, and everyday scenarios, you’ll gain a crystal-clear understanding of the concept. So, buckle up for an exciting exploration of copyright, sprinkled with intriguing facts, inspiring stories, and practical insights.

What Is Copyright?

Copyright is a legal right that grants the creator of an original work exclusive rights to its use and distribution, usually for a limited time. This includes the right to reproduce, distribute, perform, display, and create derivative works based on the original. Copyright ensures that creators can monetize their work and receive credit for their creations.

Why Is Copyright Important?

Copyright is vital for fostering creativity and innovation. It:

• Protects creators from plagiarism and unauthorized use.
• Encourages investment in creative fields by providing financial incentives.
• Promotes cultural and intellectual growth by allowing controlled access to creative works.

What are the Key Examples of Copyright?

We have mentioned some pretty comprehensive information about all the Examples of Copyright below:

1. Harry Potter
2. The Road Not Taken
3. Self-Reliance
4. Shape of You
5. Thriller
6. Canon in D
7. Mona Lisa
8. National Geographic covers
9. Peanuts
10. Star Wars
11. The Avengers
12. Game of Thrones
13. Friends
14. Avatar
15. The Godfather
16. Coca-Cola logo
17. Apple logo
18. Disney characters
19. Barbie
20. The Simpsons
21. Frozen
22. Spider-Man
23. Lord of the Rings
24. Pokemon
25. Angry Birds
26. Super Mario
27. Minecraft
28. FIFA
29. The Beatles
30. Imagine by John Lenno

Harry Potter (Books and Movies)

J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series is a prime example of the power of copyright. The books, published between 1997 and 2007, became a global phenomenon, spawning movies, merchandise, theme parks, and even a stage play. 

The copyright of Harry Potter protects not only the text of the books but also the characters, plotlines, and the magical world Rowling created. Unauthorized use of the characters or setting without permission would be a violation of copyright.

Harry Potter (Books and Movies) is the 1st example among the top 30 examples of copyright and also a very important one.

The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost (Poem)

Robert Frost’s poem The Road Not Taken is a classic literary example of copyright. First published in 1916, it is still protected under copyright law, ensuring that the poem cannot be reproduced without permission from the rights holder, even though Frost passed away long ago.

Copyright in literature ensures that poets, authors, and playwrights retain the exclusive right to their words, allowing them to control how their works are used.

The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost (Poem) is the 2nd example of among the top 30 examples of copyright and also a very important one.

Self-Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson (Essay)

Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Self-Reliance is another literary work under copyright. Although it was first published in 1841, its modern editions and collections are protected by copyright.

This illustrates how copyright applies to modern editions, translations, and adaptations of works that are in the public domain, ensuring that creators of new versions maintain control over their work.

Self-Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson (Essay) is the 3rd example of among the top 30 examples of copyright and also a very important one.

Shape of You by Ed Sheeran (Song)

One of the most recognizable modern songs, Shape of You by Ed Sheeran, is protected under copyright law. Released in 2017, the song became an instant hit, topping the charts in multiple countries.

The song’s lyrics, melody, and overall composition are copyrighted, preventing anyone from reproducing or distributing the song without permission. Copyright protection also extends to the song’s music video, which is a visual work created alongside the music.

Shape of You by Ed Sheeran (Song) is the 4th example of among the top30 examples of copyright and also a very important one.

Thriller by Michael Jackson (Song and Music Video)

Michael Jackson’s Thriller is an iconic song and music video that revolutionized the music industry. The song, released in 1982, along with its groundbreaking music video, is copyrighted.

The song’s lyrics, melody, and video’s choreography are protected under copyright, ensuring that the creators and their estate retain control over the work. The Thriller music video, in particular, remains one of the most influential and expensive music videos ever produced.

Thriller by Michael Jackson (Song and Music Video) is the 5th example of among the top 30 examples of copyright and also a very important one.

Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel (Classical Music)

Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel is one of the most famous pieces of classical music. While the piece itself, written in the 17th century, is in the public domain (since the composer passed away over 100 years ago), modern arrangements and recordings of the piece are still copyrighted.

Musicians who create new arrangements or recordings of Canon in D can protect their unique versions of the music under copyright law.

Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel (Classical Music) is the 6th example of among the top 30 examples of copyright and also a very important one.

Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci (Artwork)

The Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci is one of the most famous paintings in the world. While the original painting is in the public domain due to its age (it was created in the early 16th century), modern reproductions, adaptations, and derivative works featuring the painting may be copyrighted.

For example, an artist creating a new version or digital adaptation of the Mona Lisa could copyright their specific work.

Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci (Artwork) is the 7th example of among the top 30 examples of copyright and also a very important one.

National Geographic Covers (Photography)

The iconic covers of National Geographic magazine are a great example of copyright in photography. These images, often taken by renowned photographers, are protected under copyright law.

Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of these photographs without the permission of the photographer or National Geographic would violate copyright law. The magazine covers are not just photos; they also represent the intellectual property of the creators.

National Geographic Covers (Photography) is the 8th example of among the top 30 examples of copyright and also a very important one.

Peanuts by Charles Schulz (Cartoon)

The Peanuts comic strip, created by Charles Schulz, is an excellent example of copyright in cartoons. First published in 1950, the characters, such as Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and Lucy, are protected by copyright.

Over the years, Peanuts has expanded into television specials, movies, and merchandise, all protected under copyright, which ensures that creators and publishers can profit from their work.

Peanuts by Charles Schulz (Cartoon) is the 9th example of among the top 30 examples of copyright and also a very important one.

Star Wars (Movies and Franchise)

Star Wars, created by George Lucas, is one of the most successful franchises in film history. The films, characters, and other creative elements of the Star Wars universe, including the logo, music, and merchandising, are protected by copyright law.

From the original 1977 film to the most recent installments, the entire Star Wars franchise remains a prime example of how copyright can be applied to a multifaceted intellectual property.

Star Wars (Movies and Franchise) is the 10th example of among the top 30 examples of copyright and also a very important one.

The Avengers (Movies and Comic Books)

The Avengers franchise, both in comic book form and as a series of blockbuster movies, is a product of Marvel Comics and Disney. The characters and stories created by various comic book artists and writers, including the famous superhero team, are all copyrighted.

The copyright protects the characters, the storylines, and the associated visual elements from unauthorized use, allowing the creators and studios to generate significant revenue.

The Avengers (Movies and Comic Books) is the 11th example of among the top 30 examples of copyright and also a very important one.

Game of Thrones (TV Series)

Based on the A Song of Ice and Fire novels by George R.R. Martin, Game of Thrones became a global cultural phenomenon. Both the books and the television series are protected by copyright, ensuring that only authorized parties can adapt, reproduce, or distribute these works.

The Game of Thrones brand extends beyond the series itself to merchandise, books, and other media, all of which are covered by copyright.

Game of Thrones (TV Series) is the 12th example of among the top 30 examples of copyright and also a very important one.

Friends (TV Show)

Friends, the popular sitcom that aired from 1994 to 2004, is a classic example of a copyrighted television show. The characters, scripts, and even the show’s theme song are all protected under copyright law.

The show’s enduring popularity has resulted in syndication deals, merchandise, and streaming rights, all of which are governed by the show’s copyrights.

Friends (TV Show) is the 13th example of among the top 30 examples of copyright and also a very important one.

Avatar (Movie)

James Cameron’s Avatar revolutionized cinema with its groundbreaking visuals and 3D technology. The film, its characters, and its world-building elements are all copyrighted.

The franchise has expanded into theme parks, merchandise, and upcoming sequels, and copyright law ensures that Cameron and the production company retain control over how these intellectual properties are used.

Avatar (Movie) is the 14th example of among the top 30 examples of copyright and also a very important one.

The Godfather (Movie and Novel)

The Godfather, originally a novel by Mario Puzo and later adapted into an iconic film series directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is another significant example of copyright.

Both the novel and the film series are protected under copyright, safeguarding the characters, plotlines, and other creative elements that contributed to the franchise’s massive success.

The Godfather (Movie and Novel) is the 15th example of among the top 30 examples of copyright and also a very important one.

Coca-Cola Logo (Trademark and Design)

The Coca-Cola logo is one of the most recognized symbols in the world. While it is primarily a trademark, it also falls under copyright protection as part of the visual identity of the brand. The logo’s unique design and stylized font ensure that unauthorized reproduction of the logo is prohibited under copyright law.

Coca-Cola Logo (Trademark and Design) is the 16th example of among the top 30 examples of copyright and also a very important one.

Apple Logo (Trademark and Design)

The Apple logo, a simple yet iconic design of an apple with a bite taken out of it, is another example of a copyrighted logo.

While it is also a trademark, it is protected by copyright as part of the company’s branding. The logo is used on products, advertisements, and media, and any unauthorized use of it is a violation of copyright law.

Apple Logo (Trademark and Design) is the 17th example of among the top 30 examples of copyright and also a very important one.

Disney Characters (Movies, TV Shows, and Merchandise)

Disney has created some of the most beloved characters in pop culture, including Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy. These characters, along with their associated films and TV shows, are protected by copyright.

Disney controls the use of its characters and has built an entire empire around them, including merchandise, theme parks, and movies, all protected by copyright law.

Disney Characters (Movies, TV Shows, and Merchandise) is the 18th example of among the top 30 examples of copyright and also a very important one.

Barbie (Doll and Brand)

The Barbie doll, created by Mattel, is a prime example of intellectual property protected by copyright. The doll’s design, packaging, and various portrayals in movies and television shows are all copyrighted. Mattel controls the use of Barbie, from the dolls to the multimedia content associated with the brand.

Barbie (Doll and Brand) is the 19th example among the top 30 examples of copyright and also a very important one.

The Simpsons (TV Show)

The Simpsons, one of the longest-running animated TV shows, is an example of a copyrighted television show. The characters, scripts, and even specific scenes are protected by copyright, ensuring that unauthorized use of the show’s intellectual property cannot occur without permission from the rights holders.

The Simpsons (TV Show) is the 20th example among the top 30 examples of copyright and also a very important one.

Frozen (Movie and Franchise)

Disney’s Frozen, released in 2013, became a cultural phenomenon with its catchy songs and unforgettable characters. The movie’s characters, songs, and other creative elements, like the “Let It Go” song, are protected by copyright.

The success of Frozen has resulted in merchandise, theme park attractions, and sequels, all governed by copyright law.

Frozen (Movie and Franchise) is the 21st example among the top 30 examples of copyright and also a very important one.

Spider-Man (Comics, Movies, and Merchandise)

Spider-Man, created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, is a classic example of copyrighted characters. The character’s comic book origins and the subsequent movies and merchandise are all protected under copyright law. Unauthorized use of Spider-Man in new media or merchandise would violate the copyright.

Spider-Man (Comics, Movies, and Merchandise) is the 22nd example among the top 30 examples of copyright and also a very important one.

Lord of the Rings (Books and Films)

The Lord of the Rings series, originally written by J.R.R. Tolkien, is a widely celebrated example of copyright in literature and film. Both the books and the movies, which were adapted by Peter Jackson, are protected under copyright law, ensuring the creators and their estates retain exclusive rights to the work.

Lord of the Rings (Books and Films) is the 23rd example among the top 30 examples of copyright and also a very important one.

Pokemon (Video Games, TV Show, and Merchandise)

Pokemon, originally a video game franchise, has expanded into a global brand that includes TV shows, movies, trading cards, and toys. The Pokemon name, characters, and game mechanics are protected under copyright, ensuring that the intellectual property is only used with permission from the creators.

Pokemon (Video Games, TV Show, and Merchandise) is the 24th example among the top 30 examples of copyright and also a very important one.

Angry Birds (Game and Franchise)

Angry Birds, a popular mobile game created by Rovio Entertainment, is another example of copyright in the gaming industry. The game’s design, characters, and branding elements are all protected under copyright, and the franchise has expanded into TV shows, movies, and merchandise.

Angry Birds (Game and Franchise) is the 25th example among the top 30 examples of copyright and also a very important one.

Super Mario (Video Games and Franchise)

Nintendo’s Super Mario series is one of the most iconic video game franchises in history. The characters, game levels, and music from the Super Mario series are all copyrighted.

Nintendo has successfully protected these elements to build a massive multimedia empire, including video games, TV shows, merchandise, and theme parks.

Super Mario (Video Games and Franchise) is the 26th example among the top 30 examples of copyright and also a very important one.

Minecraft (Video Game)

Minecraft, created by Mojang Studios, is a globally popular video game that is protected by copyright. The game’s mechanics, world-building elements, and the overall design are copyrighted, ensuring that Mojang has the exclusive right to distribute, adapt, and profit from the game.

Minecraft (Video Game) is the 27th example among the top 30 examples of copyright and also a very important one.

FIFA (Video Game Franchise)

The FIFA video game franchise, created by Electronic Arts (EA), is another prominent example of copyright in the gaming industry. The game’s name, design, and specific gameplay mechanics are protected, allowing EA to maintain exclusive rights over its use.

FIFA (Video Game Franchise) is the 28th example among the top 30 examples of copyright and also a very important one.

The Beatles (Music)

The Beatles’ music catalog, which includes hits like “Hey Jude,” “Let It Be,” and “Yesterday,” is one of the most valuable copyrighted collections in the music industry. The songs, lyrics, and even the recordings are all protected by copyright, ensuring that unauthorized use of their work is prevented.

The Beatles (Music) is the 29th example among the top 30 examples of copyright and also a very important one.

Imagine by John Lennon (Song)

John Lennon’s Imagine is a classic example of a copyrighted song. The lyrics, melody, and recording of the song are protected under copyright, allowing Lennon’s estate and the record label to control its use and distribution.

Imagine by John Lennon (Song) is the 30th example among the top 30 examples of copyright and also a very important one.

What are the Examples of Copyright Infringement?

Examples of copyright infringement include using copyrighted music in a video without permission, copying text from a book or article for commercial use, distributing pirated movies or software, and posting someone else’s artwork online without authorization. These actions violate the creator’s exclusive rights to their work.

What Does Not Qualify for Copyright?

Certain works do not qualify for copyright, including:

• Ideas, concepts, or discoveries
• Names, titles, slogans, or short phrases
• Government documents
• Facts or data (like statistics)
• Works in the public domain

What are the Famous Copyright Cases?

Explore real-life cases that highlight the significance of copyright:

• Ed Sheeran vs. Marvin Gaye Estate: A dispute over similarities in music composition.
• Google vs. Oracle: A high-stakes battle over Java APIs in Android development.
• Photographer vs. Wildlife Conservationists: A quirky case of a monkey’s selfie leading to copyright debates.

How to Protect Your Work with Copyright?

Learn how to safeguard your creative assets with copyright registration, including:

• The registration process
• Associated costs
• Benefits of registration

 In Conclusion

Copyright is the backbone of creative industries, enabling creators to thrive and protect their works. By understanding its applications and limitations, you can better appreciate the value of intellectual property and use it responsibly. 

Whether you’re a creator or a consumer, recognizing examples of copyright in everyday life can help you navigate the ever-evolving world of ideas and innovation.

So, now that you’re well-versed in copyright, why not dive into the fascinating stories and examples we’ve shared? The next time you encounter a song, painting, or website, you’ll appreciate the thought and protection that went into its creation.

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