Question

Principle: Under copyright law, copyright subsists in original literary works also. A literary work need not be of literary quality. Even so prose, a work as an index of railway stations or a railway guide or a list of stock exchange quotations qualifies as a literary work if sufficient work has been expended in compiling it to give it a new and original character. Facts: Michael’s works hard enough, walking down the streets, taking down the names of people who live at houses and makes a street directory as a result of that labour.

• A. Michael’s exercise in making a street directory is sufficient to justify in making claim to copyright in that work which is ultimately produced
• B. Michael’s exercise in making a street directory is not enough to justify in making claim to copyright in that work
• C. A street directory cannot be enough to be considered as a literary work
• D. None of the above statements is correct

Hint:

To qualify as a literary work for copyright, the work must possess originality and creative character.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

A street directory, though involving work, lacks sufficient originality or literary quality required for copyright. As such, the work cannot be considered a literary work for copyright purposes.