Intellectual Property Law

Chapter 9 Internet Resources Solutions

Access the website for the U.S. Copyright Office for the first four questions.

1. Locate Circular 1, entitled “Copyright Basics.”

a. May a citizen or national of another country obtain a copyright in the
United States?
Yes, he/she can.

b. Is an improvisational speech (that has not been written or typed) eligible
for copyright protection?
No, it’s not.

2. Locate “FAQs About Copyright.”
a. Can you copyright your domain name?
Yes.

b. Must you use your real name on a copyright application form?
No. One may use a “pseudonymous” name and check the box
for this on the application form.

c. Can you submit a CD-ROM of your work?
Yes, one can.

d. Is the title of Harper Lee’s new novel Go Set a Watchman copyrightable?
No. Titles of books are not protectable under copyright law.

3. Review the Fee Schedule. What is the fee to register a copyright using a paper
form?
The fee is $85.

4. Locate Fact Sheet 119, entitled “Dramatic Works: Choreography, Pantomimes,
and Scripts.”

a. Can the title of the television program Modern Family be copyrighted?
No, it can’t.

b. Can the yoga pose “Downward Facing Dog” be copyrighted?
No, it can’t.

5. Locate the federal statutes pertaining to Copyrights. (Specifically, Chapter 1,
relating to the Subject Matter and Scope of Copyright.) Can the federal
government copyright federal statutes and reports that it issues? Give answer and
cite the statute that governs this matter.
No. 17 U.S.C. § 105 provides that the government may not obtain
copyright in such works.