The United States Copyright Office defines traditional copyright as "a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States (title 17, U.S. Code) to the authors of 'original works of authorship,' including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works. This protection is available to both published and unpublished works." 1
The goal of copyright law is to support innovation by compensating authors and publishers monetarily.
1. United States Copyright Office. (July 2008). Copyright basics. Retrieved 18 Oct. 2016 from http://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ1.pdf