Final answer:
The 'fair use' doctrine allows the use of copyrighted material without permission for purposes such as criticism and education, considering certain factors. Copyright protection typically lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years, but fair use provides a balance between protecting authors and allowing creativity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The doctrine that entitles a person to use copyrighted material without the consent of the copyright owner is known as fair use. This legal principle is crucial for activities like commentary, criticism, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research. Under the U.S. Copyright Act, specifically Section 107, fair use is determined by factors such as the purpose and character of the use, the nature of the copyrighted work, the amount used in relation to the entire work, and the effect of the use on the potential market.
Copyright protection, typically lasting for the life of the author plus 70 years, safeguards creators' economic rights by prohibiting unauthorized reproduction or performance of their works. However, fair use acknowledges the need for some material to be used for purposes that promote creativity and innovation without infringing on the copyright owner's exclusive rights. Cases like MGM Studios v. Grokster illustrate the judiciary's role in interpreting these complexities.