But Copyrite law is such that it is posiible to enforce your copyrite in other countries. In the UK if I was to write a book, or create some music etc.. - I'd own the copyrite automatically - and then for a further x (50 - or 70, I cant remember) amount of years after my death. Likewise - under UK law, with patents - these have to be paid for. The guy that created the Dyson vacumm cleaner, at one stage couldnt keep up patent costs - and thus people were free to effectivly pinch his idea.
In the US its different - hence Shrek had loads of Disney characters in it.
Now - under European rulling copyrite stands across the board - they have a deal with the US - so effectivly you do have international copyrite law - or at least, recognition of another persons copyrite.
The only places where copyrite seems to be consistently ignored, or breaking it is accepted is in places like Thailand - where they have been known to broadcast the latest film releases on the TV network!
