1.
1. If a work is in the Public Domain, it means:
Correct Answer
B. The Term of copyright in the work has run out.
Explanation
If a work is in the Public Domain, it means that the term of copyright protection for that work has expired. This means that the work is no longer restricted by copyright law and can be freely used, copied, and distributed by anyone without the need to obtain permission from the original creator or rights holder.
2.
Which of the following items can be copyrighted?
Correct Answer
E. An original poem posted on an online message board
Explanation
An original poem posted on an online message board can be copyrighted because it is a creative work that is fixed in a tangible medium of expression. Copyright protection extends to original works of authorship, including literary works such as poems. The poem is original and has been expressed in a tangible form by being posted on an online message board, making it eligible for copyright protection.
3.
A kindergarten child's finger painting cannot be copyrighted because:
Correct Answer
A. It is not true; a kindergarten child's finger painting can be copyrighted.
4.
Which of the following factors does a court look at to determine whether there's been Infringement?
Correct Answer
D. Whether there is evidence that the alleged copier actually did copy the work
Explanation
A court looks at whether there is evidence that the alleged copier actually did copy the work to determine whether there has been infringement. This means that the court will consider whether there is proof that the accused person actually made a copy of the original work. This factor is important in establishing whether infringement has occurred as it shows that the alleged copier had access to the original work and intentionally reproduced it.
5.
Fair Use is which of the following?
Correct Answer
C. A defense against copyright Infringement
Explanation
Fair Use is a defense against copyright infringement. It allows for the limited use of copyrighted materials without permission from the copyright holder, under certain circumstances such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research. Fair use is determined on a case-by-case basis and considers factors such as the purpose and character of the use, the nature of the copyrighted work, the amount and substantiality of the portion used, and the effect of the use on the market for the original work.
6.
True or False: Each state has its own copyright laws.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Each state does not have its own copyright laws. Copyright laws in the United States are governed by federal law, specifically the Copyright Act of 1976. This federal law applies uniformly across all states and provides protection for original works of authorship. While there may be some variations in how copyright laws are interpreted and enforced at the state level, the basic framework and principles are established at the federal level.
7.
True or False: As long as the operator of a fan web site for a TV show posts a big disclaimer saying that her site has not been approved by the TV show producers and that it is not being operated for commercial gain (meaning, she's not making any money on it), the fan can freely upload to her site any images, scripts, songs or clips from the show that she wants.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The statement is false because even if the operator of a fan website includes a disclaimer, it does not automatically grant them permission to freely upload copyrighted material such as images, scripts, songs, or clips from the TV show. Copyright laws still apply, and the fan would need to obtain proper authorization from the copyright holders before using and sharing their content on the website.
8.
True or False: You just saw the coolest video clip on the internet. You want to download it and cut it into your own video that you have been working on. You will not use the entire video clip, so it should not be a problem to use the music.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Using the music from the video clip without permission or proper licensing would likely be a copyright infringement. It is important to obtain the necessary rights or licenses to use any copyrighted material in your own work, even if you are only using a portion of it.
9.
True or False: If a Copyright Owner knows that someone is Infringing his copyright, he must take legal action against the infringer or risk losing his copyright.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The statement is false because while legal action can be taken against copyright infringers, it is not a requirement for the copyright owner to do so in order to maintain their copyright. The copyright owner has the right to choose whether or not to pursue legal action, and not taking legal action does not automatically result in the loss of their copyright.
10.
True or False: Expression of facts can be copyrighted.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Expression of facts can be copyrighted because copyright protects original works of authorship, which can include the way facts are presented or expressed. While facts themselves cannot be copyrighted, the specific expression or arrangement of those facts can be protected. This means that someone can create a unique and original way of presenting factual information and have the right to prevent others from copying or using that specific expression without permission.
11.
True or False: You just read a great story from A Collection of Short Stories of 2000 and you think it would make a great play. You may be able to write a play based on the story to be performed at your local community teen theater, but first you would need to get Permission to use the story from the Copyright Owner.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
To adapt a story into a play, one needs to obtain permission from the copyright owner. This is because the original story is protected by copyright law, and adapting it without permission would infringe on the owner's rights. Therefore, the statement "You may be able to write a play based on the story to be performed at your local community teen theater, but first you would need to get Permission to use the story from the Copyright Owner" is true.
12.
True or False: If you buy the latest book by J.K. Rowling and knew that three of your friends would love it, you could make three copies of the book and sell them each a copy for less than you paid.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Making copies of a book and selling them without the permission of the author or publisher is a violation of copyright laws. It is illegal to reproduce and distribute copyrighted material without proper authorization. Therefore, you cannot make copies of the book and sell them for less than you paid.