Which of the following can result in a loss of copyright protection?

This answer highlights an important aspect of copyright law. Copyright protection can indeed be lost if the copyright holder fails to renew the copyright within the established time frame. In many jurisdictions, particularly before changes in U.S. copyright law that ensured automatic extensions, works had to be renewed after a certain period (usually 28 years) to maintain their copyright protection. If a copyright was not renewed, the work would enter the public domain, allowing anyone to use it without permission or payment.

Renewal was especially significant for works published before January 1, 1978, which had an initial term of copyright protection that could be extended through renewal. The failure to renew meant that the exclusive rights granted by copyright could be lost, leading to potential infringement by others and a diminished ability for the original creator to control and profit from their work.

In contrast, the creation of a derivative work does not lead to a loss of copyright protection; it may actually create a new layer of copyright protection that builds on the original. Collaborating with other creators may alter ownership rights but does not eliminate copyright protection altogether. Making a work publicly available can help establish certain rights but does not, in itself, cause a loss of copyright.