The Byway Motel installed a satellite system that enables it to intercept cable programs and exhibit them in guest rooms without contracting with cable TV for the service or paying any money for it. Which of the following is true?
A) TV programs cannot be copyrighted, so the motel's actions do not constitute infringement.
B) The unauthorized interception and exhibition by the motel constitute copyright infringement.
C) Motels are entitled to use copyrighted programs without payment since the motels serve the public. Therefore, the Byway Motel's actions do not constitute copyright infringement.
D) Whether or not the motel is liable for copyright infringement depends on whether its exhibiting of the copyrighted program was intentional or inadvertent.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The unauthorized interception and exhibition of copyrighted programs without contracting with the owner of the rights constitute copyright infringement. The fact that the Byway Motel is not paying for the service does not make it legal. Motels are not entitled to use copyrighted programs without authorization or payment, even if they serve the public. The intent of the motel does not change the fact that a copyright infringement has occurred. Therefore, the Byway Motel's actions are likely to be considered copyright infringement.

The Byway Motel Installed a Satellite System That Enables It