Copyright protection is automatic for original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium. This means that as soon as you write down your short story, it is automatically protected by copyright.
Copyright protects your story from being copied, distributed, or performed without your permission. It also gives you the exclusive right to create derivative works based on your story, such as a movie, TV show, or video game.
Trademark
A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol, or design that distinguishes your product or service from those of others. Trademarks are not used to protect creative works, such as short stories.