Question

1. which president of the united states signed the first copyright bill into law?
2. how long were books, maps, & charts protected under the first federal copyright law in the usa?
3. what was the first work registered under the federal copyright act in the united states?
4. in 1831, what pieces of work became protected under federal copyright laws?
5. in 1831, how long did a copyright last?
6. when were dramatic works given copyright protection in the united states?
7. in 1865, what works were added to the list of works protected by copyright?
8. what was signed into law in march of 1891?

Explanation:

1. Washington signed the 1790 Copyright Act, the first U.S. federal copyright law.
2. The 1790 Act granted 14 years of protection, renewable once for another 14 years.
3. Barry’s spelling book was the first registered work in 1790.
4. The 1831 Copyright Act extended protection to musical works.
5. The 1831 Act increased the term to 28 years total (initial + renewal).
6. Dramatic works were added to copyright protection in 1856.
7. The 1865 amendment included photographs and their negatives.
8. The 1891 Act established copyright relations with foreign nations.

Answer:

1. George Washington
2. 14 years (with a 14-year renewal option)
3. The Philadelphia Spelling Book by John Barry
4. Musical compositions
5. 28 years (with a 14-year renewal option)
6. 1856
7. Photographs and photographic negatives
8. The International Copyright Act