What is the main purpose of copyright?

The main purpose of copyright is to protect intellectual property. Copyright grants creators exclusive rights to their original works, which can include literature, music, art, software, and other forms of creative expression. By providing this legal framework, copyright ensures that creators can control how their works are used and distributed, thereby encouraging innovation and creativity. This protection allows creators to benefit financially from their work, as it prevents others from using it without permission, thus safeguarding the value of their intellectual property.

In contrast, other options do not capture the broader intent of copyright. While protecting digital images is a specific application of copyright, it does not encompass the full range of creative works protected under copyright law. The other options regarding enforcing sharing or allowing public use misalign with the main goal of copyright, which is fundamentally about protecting the rights of the creator rather than promoting unrestricted access or use.