Which of the following actions is considered a legal usage of copyrighted work?

• A. Creating derived works without permission
• B. Publicly sharing a copyrighted document without consent
• C. Licensing a song for public performance
• D. Using copyrighted material for commercial gain without payment

Answer: (C)

Licensing a song for public performance is a legal usage of copyrighted work because it involves obtaining permission from the copyright holder to use their intellectual property in a specific manner. This process is critical as it respects the rights of the original creator and ensures that they receive compensation for the use of their work.

In the context of performing copyrighted music publicly, obtaining a license is a standard industry practice and often involves paying royalties to the copyright owner. This not only adheres to copyright laws but also supports artists and creators in their work.

Overall, licensing reflects a lawful relationship between the creator’s rights and the user's intentions, thus facilitating the creative economy while protecting the interests of content creators.