【大学受験対策】英語長文読解問題58｜331語＋和訳・解答解説

In the age of digital media, copyright has become an increasingly complex and debated issue. Copyright laws are designed to protect the rights of creators—writers, artists, musicians, programmers—by giving them control over how their work is used, distributed, or reproduced. At the same time, these laws aim to encourage innovation and the sharing of knowledge. Striking a balance between protecting intellectual property and ensuring public access is not always easy.

Intellectual property refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, and symbols. Copyright is one category of intellectual property, alongside patents, trademarks, and trade secrets. What sets copyright apart is that it applies automatically as soon as an original work is fixed in a tangible form, such as a book, a song, or a painting. This means creators don’t have to register their work to receive protection, though doing so may help in legal disputes.

With the rise of the internet, copying and sharing content has become effortless. A song, image, or article can be uploaded, downloaded, and reposted within seconds, often without the original creator’s knowledge or permission. While some argue that the internet should be a free space where content flows openly, others emphasize the need to respect creators’ rights and ensure they are compensated for their work.

This tension is particularly evident in education, social media, and creative communities. Students using images in presentations, users sharing memes, or amateur musicians covering songs on video platforms often unknowingly infringe copyright. While some uses may fall under “fair use” or educational exceptions, the boundaries are often vague and vary by country.

Ultimately, the challenge lies in developing copyright policies that reflect modern digital realities. Laws must evolve to protect creators while also considering the habits and expectations of today’s users. As consumers, creators, and sharers of content, young people especially need to understand how intellectual property works and why it matters. Awareness is the first step toward building a respectful and innovative digital culture.

Q1. Which statement correctly distinguishes copyright from other forms of intellectual property?

1. Creators must register every work before any legal protection begins.
2. Copyright only protects inventions with a government-issued patent.
3. Copyright exists automatically when a creative work becomes tangible.
4. Trademark laws offer stronger artistic rights than standard copyright statutes.

Q2. According to the passage, what complication surrounds the idea of “fair use”?

1. Educational presentations never risk infringement when images are taken online.
2. Definitions of fair use remain unclear and differ across national borders.
3. Memes are exempt from copyright because they are considered public domain.
4. Amateur musicians may freely cover songs without permission on any platform.

Q3. Which of the following claims is NOT supported by the passage?

1. Copyright protection begins without formal registration once work is fixed.
2. Patents automatically expire after only three years from initial filing.
3. Young people should learn how intellectual property functions in digital society.
4. Online sharing can happen instantly, often without a creator’s consent.