Which barrier to entry is an exclusive right granted to the author or composer of a literary, musical, dramatic or artistic work?
A. copyright
B. patent
C. public franchise
D. government license
E. natural barrier
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is A. copyright.
Copyright is a form of legal protection granted to the creators of original works, such as literature, music, art, and drama. This exclusive right allows authors, composers, and other creators to control the reproduction, distribution, and public performance of their works. Copyright protects the expression of ideas rather than the ideas themselves, meaning that a writer or artist cannot prevent others from discussing or building upon their ideas, but they can prevent unauthorized copying or reproduction of their original work.
This barrier to entry is significant because it grants the creator full control over the commercial exploitation of their creation. The length of copyright protection can vary depending on the country, but it typically lasts for the lifetime of the creator plus an additional period, such as 50 or 70 years. This gives creators the opportunity to benefit financially from their work for a substantial time, thereby incentivizing creative production.
Unlike patents, which protect new inventions or innovations, copyright applies to creative works and is automatically granted upon the creation of the work, without the need for registration. However, registering a work can provide additional legal advantages, such as a public record of ownership and the ability to sue for statutory damages.
Public franchises and government licenses are other forms of legal permissions but do not serve the same purpose as copyright. These typically refer to the granting of exclusive rights to operate within certain industries or to provide specific services. Natural barriers, on the other hand, refer to inherent obstacles in a market or environment, such as high startup costs or limited access to resources, and are unrelated to legal protections like copyright.