Intellectual Property Law

Chapter 9 Discussion Questions

1. Star Trek actor Leonard Nimoy (1931–2015) was the author of the
autobiographical book I am Spock, written in 1995. When does copyright
protection for this book end?

2. Louisa May Alcott (1832–1888) was the author of the novel Little Women. May
you prepare a screenplay for a new film based on this novel? Discuss.

3. Michelle Obama has been keeping a journal of her activities and thoughts about
her years in the White House. At present she has no plans to publish any book
based on these musings. Is the work protectable under copyright law? Discuss.

4. Your cousin is a musician. You recently discovered some hastily scribbled song
lyrics written by him on a piece of scratch paper. Is the work protectable under
copyright law?

5. Describe the balance that must be reached between giving artists and authors the
right to exploit their creative works and the right of the public to have access to
these works.