What is a key requirement for claiming copyright on a new work?

• A. The work must be published
• B. The work must be original and fixed in a tangible medium
• C. The work must be registered with the government
• D. The work must be shared publicly first

Answer: (B)

A key requirement for claiming copyright on a new work is that the work must be original and fixed in a tangible medium. This means that the work must be an original creation that reflects the author's creativity, and it must be captured in a form that is permanent enough to be perceived, reproduced, or communicated. Examples include writings, music, artworks, and digital content that are recorded or saved in some format, such as paper, a digital file, or even a sculpture.

While publication, registration, or public sharing can enhance the protection or visibility of a work, they are not prerequisites for obtaining copyright. Copyright exists automatically upon the creation of a qualifying work, provided it meets the originality and fixation criteria. This ensures that creators have legal control over the use of their original works, fostering creativity and innovation.