Which of the following matters is protected by copyright?

• A. Photographs taken by a reporter of a sexy movie star
• B. Illustration of playing a board game
• C. News about the assassination of a Senator
• D. Civil code of the Philippines

Answer: (A)

Copyright protects original works of authorship fixed in a tangible form, including photographs. A photographer’s image is the result of creative choices—how the moment is framed, the lighting, composition, and timing—making it an original expression. Because a reporter’s photographs are such original artistic works, they are protected by copyright, giving the photographer exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, or license that image.

The other options don’t fit as clearly. News about a real-world event consists of facts; the event itself isn’t protected by copyright, though the specific written report about it can be. A civil code or other government publication is typically not protected by copyright in the Philippines, since government works are generally exempt from copyright. An illustration of a board game could be protected if it constitutes an original artwork, but that depends on the level of originality in the illustration, whereas a photograph of a public figure is a clear, original creative work.