1. Can Dr. Daspit copyright his lecture material?
Yes, Dr. Daspit's lecture material is eligible for copyright protection. Copyright law protects original works of authorship, including literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works. Lecture content falls under the category of "literary works," and therefore can be copyrighted.
2. Does Dr. Daspit need to register for a copyright symbol to be protected?
No, Dr. Daspit automatically receives copyright protection for his original work the moment it is fixed in a tangible medium, such as written notes or recorded lectures. The copyright symbol © is not mandatory but serves as a public notice of copyright claim and can be helpful in legal disputes.
3. Does it matter if Dr. Daspit used university resources to create the material?
No, it does not matter if Dr. Daspit used university resources like a computer or software to create his lecture material. He retains ownership and copyright of the original work he created, regardless of the tools used.
4. What is protected by a utility patent?
A utility patent protects a new and useful process, machine, article of manufacture, or composition of matter. It does not protect the design, ornamental characteristics, new varieties of plants, or "fanciful phrases."
5. Which form of bankruptcy is known as "straight bankruptcy"?
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the "traditional" form of "straight bankruptcy." In Chapter 7, a debtor's non-exempt assets are liquidated to pay creditors. This typically results in a full discharge of remaining debts.