The title of a newspaper is not protected by the law of
(A) Trademark
(B) Evidence
(C) Contract
(D) Copyright
Correct Ans: (D)
Explanation:
Copyright law does not protect newspaper titles because they do not qualify as original works. Instead, copyright applies to creative content like articles, images, and editorials. Since a title is usually short and lacks originality, it does not meet the legal criteria for copyright protection.
However, newspapers can safeguard their titles under trademark law. A trademark protects brand names, logos, and slogans used in commerce. If a newspaper registers its title as a trademark, no other publication can use a similar name to mislead readers. For example, The New York Times holds a trademark, preventing other publications from using a confusingly similar title.
In contrast, copyright law automatically protects creative content. Once an article or photograph is published, copyright ensures that no one can copy or reproduce it without permission. This protection lasts for a specific period, usually the lifetime of the creator plus additional years.
Evidence law and contract law also do not apply to newspaper titles. Evidence law deals with admissible proofs in legal proceedings, while contract law governs agreements between parties. Neither of these laws provides title protection.
In conclusion, copyright law does not protect newspaper titles because they lack originality. However, newspapers can use trademark registration to prevent unauthorized use. This legal distinction ensures that content remains protected while allowing fair competition in the industry.
