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All copyrights must be an original work of authorship, fixed in any tangible medium of expression from which they can be perceived, reproduced, or otherwise communicated, either directly or with the aid of a machine or device.
The key feature is “fixed in any tangible medium”. Music is not copyrightable until it is recorded, either as notes on paper or sound on a CD. Ideas are not protected, unless written. Fictional characters must be fully described in a book or story. There are eight statutory groups of copyrights (Title 17 of the U.S. Code Section 102). literary works; musical works, including any accompanying words dramatic works, including any accompanying words pantomimes and choreographic works pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works motion pictures and other audiovisual works sound recordings architectural works Prohibited Items Some objects and items do not receive copyright protection at all. Particular forms of expression are so common that granting a 70 year protection period would interfere with most daily activities. The following are examples of items that do not receive copyright protection. idea procedure plan process system method of operation concept principle discovery designs words and short phrases such as names, titles, and slogans familiar symbols or designs variations of typographical ornamentation, lettering, or coloring listing of ingredients or contents blank forms (i.e. account books, order forms, diaries, bank checks, and scorecards) standard calendars height and weight charts tape measures and rulers sporting event schedules lists taken from public documents Duration of a Copyright Copyrights last for a much longer time than patents. The maximum term for a patent is 20 years. Copyrights typically last 70 years after the author’s death. If there were co-creators, the expiration is 70 years after the last survivor’s death. Works that were made for hire, anonymous, or pseudonymous expire 95 years after publication or 120 years from creation (whichever ends first). If the work was created, but not published or registered, before 1978 it will expire not earlier than 70 years after the creator’s death. If the work was not published before 12/31/2002, it is already expired. If the work was published before 12/31/2002, it will expire not earlier than 12/31/2047. Works that were published between 1964 and 1977, expire 95 years from publication. If published between 1923 and 1963 and renewed, it expires 95 years from the date of first publication. If not renewed, the copyright is expired. Anything that was published before 1923 is in the public domain. Not Absolute Protection Copyright law, unlike patents and trademarks, does not grant an absolute exclusive right. Under certain scenarios, individuals are allowed to use your work under “fair use”. Infringement does not exist if material is used for criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research. Courts consider the following factors to determine whether fair use or infringement has occurred. (1) Purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes (2) Nature of the copyrighted work (3) Amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole (4) Effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work Revisions If you modify a copyrighted work, that revision is not protected unless it is registered as new material with a separate application. Every time a copyrighted work is revised, a new application is required. Derivative Works A derivative work is based on an existing copyright and can be registered if different enough from the original or contains a substantial amount of new material to be considered new. Rights only cover what is new. Here are some examples. Television documentary that contains archival footage Motion picture based on a play English translation of a book Music CD that contains a couple previously released songs Sculpture based on a drawing Book of maps Lithograph based on a painting Biography that contains letters written by the individual Musical arrangement of work based on a composer |