This clause protects the original works of authors and inventors. This clause is the foundation for the US Copyright and Patent Law. The Copyright Act of 1790 was the first copyright law enacted in the United States and set the initial terms of copyright. | This clause protects the original works of authors and inventors. This clause is the foundation for the US Copyright and Patent Law. The Copyright Act of 1790 was the first copyright law enacted in the United States and set the initial terms of copyright. |