Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of copyrighted software?

The correct choice indicates that "available for free" is not a characteristic of copyrighted software. Copyrighted software is protected by law, which grants the creator exclusive rights over their work. This means the creator can control how the software is distributed and used, and typically, they will license it or sell it, thereby generating revenue from its use.

While some software may be made available for free, such as open-source software or freeware, this is not a characteristic intrinsic to all copyrighted software. Many copyrighted programs require payment for use, and thus are not freely available. The other characteristics—legally exclusive rights, the inability to duplicate without permission, and protection by law—are foundational to the nature of copyrighted materials, including software. Hence, the distinction of availability for free does not accurately describe the general nature of copyrighted software.