Which of the following describes an exception to copyright laws?

The first sale doctrine is a principle in copyright law that allows the owner of a copyrighted work to resell, lease, or otherwise dispose of that particular copy without needing permission from the copyright holder. This exception is significant because it acknowledges that once the copyright owner has sold a copy of their work, they can no longer control how that copy is used or distributed.

This is important for several reasons. It promotes the circulation of goods and helps in the secondary market for books, music, and other media. For example, if you buy a book, you have the right to sell it to someone else, lend it, or donate it, without infringing on the copyright holder's rights.

In contrast, other options such as trademark infringement and software piracy deal with violations of intellectual property rights rather than exceptions to them. Mechanical music rights refer to another aspect of copyright law, specifically concerning the reproduction of music, and do not define an exception like the first sale doctrine does. Thus, the first sale doctrine remains a critical aspect of copyright law as it fosters resale markets and facilitates the transfer of ownership rights.