What is the intellectual property protection for the tangible expression of a creative idea?

The intellectual property protection for the tangible expression of a creative idea is copyright. This form of protection is specifically designed to safeguard original works of authorship, such as literature, music, art, and other creative endeavors. Copyright grants the creator exclusive rights to use, distribute, and reproduce their work, while also preventing others from using it without permission.

Unlike patents, which protect inventions and processes, or trademarks, which protect brand names and logos, copyright directly addresses the expression of creative ideas. This is why it is the appropriate choice for this question. It's essential to recognize that copyright does not protect concepts, ideas, or facts, but rather how those ideas are expressed in a fixed medium. This distinction is fundamental to understanding the scope and limitations of copyright as a form of intellectual property protection.