Class Roll No.
Mid Term Examination, September 2017
B.A.LL.B. (HONS.)
SEMESTER VII IX
IPR (Hons.-II) -Copyright
Max. Marks: 20 Max. Time: 1:30 Hrs.
Note: Answer any TWO questions out of three.
The number of marks carried by a question/ part is indicated against it.
1. Dr. Harry is an archeologist, he finds the Dead Sea Scrolls in a cave, sealed inside. The scrolls
have badly deteriorated. Some are legible and some not. Dr. Harry painstakingly tries to
reconstruct the scrolls. Finally, he makes it legible. But, to understand the sense and meaning of
the script he looks at contemporary religious texts, at word frequency distributions, and predicts
which word fits the gap. Ultimately Dr. Harry's unparalleled linguistic, religious and archeological
knowledge give him many clues—and at the end of 2 years of work, he claims to have the
definitive "historical reconstruction" of the scroll.
In the light of above mentioned facts discuss whether Dr. Harry can claim copyright in the
reconstructed text or not? Argue both the sides. In each case, explain the analogies you would
make, the doctrines you would invoke and the applicable cases to which you would appeal.
(Marks 10)
2. Answer the following questions:
A. Comment on the copyrightablity of following works, justifying it with relevant reasoning and
applicable doctrine.
i. Mike Tyson's tattoo.
ii. Concept note of Kaun Banega Crorepati'.
iii. Snow art made for an exhibition.
iv. Object code and source Code for android application.
v. Photograph clicked by you of dawn and dusk. (Marks 1×5=05)
B. Is it necessary under the Copyright Act, 1957 that a "work" should be expressed in print or in
writing for enabling to claim copyright protection? Examine the nature of fixation requirement
in India. (Marks 05)
3. Originality is a fluid concept not an objective criterion. Therefore it is constantly being refined by
the courts. Discuss the level of originality required to attract copyright protection in different
jurisdictions with applicable case laws. (Marks 10)