What does copyright NOT protect?

Copyright law is designed to protect the expression of ideas rather than the ideas themselves. This means that while a specific musical composition, literary work, or original architectural design can be protected by copyright, the underlying concepts or ideas behind those works are not covered. Therefore, ideas without expression, which are not fixed in a tangible form, cannot be copyrighted. This distinction is crucial, as it allows for freedom of thought and communication while simultaneously safeguarding the unique expressions created by individuals in various forms.