Copyright Legal Terms and Legal Words. Intellectual Property Terminology

copyright ownership

The sculpture in question is not a "work made for hire" within the meaning of §101. Reid was an independent contractor, rather than a § 101(1) "employee," since, although CCNV members directed enough of the work to ensure that the statue met their specifications, all other relevant circumstances weigh heavily against finding an employment relationship. … Full Definition »

Law topic: Copyright << Legal issue: Intellectual Property

infringement

“It is of course essential to any protection of literary property, whether at common-law or under the statute, that the right cannot be limited literally to the text, else a plagiarist would escape by immaterial variations. That has never been the law, but, as soon as literal appropriation ceases to be the test, the whole matter is necessarily at large, so … Full Definition »

Law topic: Copyright << Legal issue: Intellectual Property

standards of copyright ability

“[T]he requisite level of creativity is extremely low; even a slight amount will suffice. The vast majority of works make the grade quite easily…” Feist Publications, Inc. v. Rural Telephone Service Company, Inc., 499 U.S. 340 (1991). “Where the truths of a science or the methods of an art are the common property of the whole world, any author has the … Full Definition »

Law topic: Copyright << Legal issue: Intellectual Property