What doctrine allows for various uses of copyrighted works without requiring permission?

The Fair Use Doctrine is an essential legal principle that permits limited use of copyrighted material without needing to obtain permission from the copyright owner. This doctrine is crucial because it balances the interests of copyright holders with the public interest in the dissemination of knowledge and information.

Fair use is often applied in specific contexts, such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, and scholarship. Factors that are considered when determining whether a use qualifies as fair include the purpose and character of the use (commercial or educational), the nature of the copyrighted work, the amount and substantiality of the portion used, and the effect of the use on the market for the original work.

In contrast, the Public Domain Doctrine pertains to works that are no longer protected by copyright and can be used freely by anyone. The First Sale Doctrine allows the owner of a lawfully acquired copyrighted work to resell or distribute that work after purchase, but it does not permit new uses of the work without permission. Transformative Use, while relevant within the context of fair use by allowing modifications, is not a standalone doctrine like fair use. Thus, the Fair Use Doctrine stands out as the correct answer, as it specifically grants the authority for various uses of copyrighted works without requiring prior permission.