What is the main purpose of copy protection or Digital Rights Management (DRM)?

The main purpose of copy protection or Digital Rights Management (DRM) is to prevent unauthorized duplication. DRM encompasses various technologies and strategies designed to restrict the ways in which digital content can be used, accessed, or shared. This is particularly important in the digital age, where software, music, videos, and other digital media can be easily replicated and distributed without the permission of the copyright holder. By implementing DRM measures, creators and distributors aim to protect their intellectual property rights and ensure that their products are used in accordance with the licenses granted to consumers.

The other options do not align with the primary function of DRM. Enhancing software performance relates to optimization and efficiency improvements, which are separate considerations from copyright protection. Allowing free distribution opposes the inherent goals of DRM, which is intended to control usage and protect against unauthorized sharing. Licensing software for public use is more about granting permission under specific terms rather than preventing duplication, which is central to the DRM concept.