Purpose of IP Law
Incentive creation; promote competition and efficient marketplace
Copyright Requirements
1) original
2) creative
3) fixed
Original
Not taken or copied from somewhere else; independently created
Derivative Works
Copies of another work
Creative
Only a dab of creativity is needed
Copyright Laws
IP Clause in Constitution, 1976 Copyright Act, FEDERAL PROTECTION
Fixed
In a tangible form
The minute something is fixed…
It gets copyright protection
Feist Publications v Rural
Phone book, found their own information, it was fine cause it was just facts, not actual creative stuff
Copyright Exclusions
Benefits of Federal Copyright Registration
US Copyright Office
8 Classes
Who can apply for copyright?
Author, owner, agent
Copyright Application
Deposit materials for application
Copyright Registration
Pre-registration
Special Handling Request
Joint Ownership
9 Specially Commissioned Categories
Copyright Ownership and Duration
Current Copyright Terms
1988 Copyright Extension Act (Mickey Mouse Act)
Exclusive Rights of Copyright Owner