Which of the following is an essential element of a valid copyright notice?

A valid copyright notice is important for indicating the ownership of a work and providing legal protection under copyright law. The essential elements of a valid copyright notice typically include the year of first publication, the name of the copyright claimant, and a copyright symbol (©).

The name of the copyright claimant serves a crucial role as it identifies who holds the rights to the work. This clarity is vital for enforcing those rights and for informing the public about who to contact regarding permissions or licensing. Without this information, there can be ambiguity about the ownership, which can complicate matters of infringement and licensing.

While other options may seem relevant, they do not constitute essential elements of a copyright notice. For instance, the date of expiration may be useful, but it is not a required component of the notice itself. Similarly, having a signature of the author is not necessary for copyright validity; the copyright is automatically granted upon creation of the work, regardless of whether it is signed. Mentioning the type of work protected can also be informative but is not a mandated element of a copyright notice. Thus, the name of the copyright claimant stands out as the key component needed for a valid copyright notice.