Copyright

[Raptor]

This has very little to do with computers, but it is related.

If I were to create something, say a story or an illustration, how would I copyright it? What are the rights given to you?

Could I just place a name and the Copyright symbol or do I have to be a known company and/or brand?

What text would I have to put down? What if someone were to copy what I created and use it or claim that the person in question has created it?

[merlin_2]

you would need a lawyer to do this properly....and very costly  it can be....info here>http://www.copyright.gov/faq.html

[robertmillar]

If you design the material the copyright belongs to you automatically as soon as it is fixed and in a tangible form.  Do not confuse copyright with patent or registering a trademark.

Mor information:
http://www.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts1988/Ukpga_19880048_en_1.htm
http://www.whatiscopyright.org/