What is Copyright-Protected?
Protected by Copyright
- Literary works (not just The Grapes of Wrath or The Tipping Point, but all works expressed in writing both in print and digital form, however formally or informally recorded)
- Computer software (considered to be literary works)
- Pictorial, graphic and sculptural works (e.g., paintings, drawings, carvings, photographs, clothing designs, textiles)
- Architectural works (e.g., buildings themselves as well as blueprints, drawings, diagrams and models)
- Sound recordings (e.g., songs, music, spoken word, sounds and other recordings)
- Audiovisual works (e.g., live action movies, animation, television programs and videogames)
- Pantomimes and choreographic works (e.g., the art of imitating or acting out situations, and the composition of dance movements and patterns, including those accompanied by music)
- Dramatic works and accompanying music (e.g., plays and musicals)
Not Protected by Copyright
- Works that have not been fixed in a tangible medium of expression (that is, not written, recorded or captured electronically)
- Titles, names, short phrases and slogans; familiar symbols or designs; mere variations of typographic ornamentation, lettering or coloring; mere listings of ingredients or contents
- Ideas, procedures, methods, systems, processes, concepts, principles, discoveries or devices, as distinguished from a description, explanation or illustration
- Works consisting entirely of information that are natural or self-evident facts, containing no original authorship, such as the white pages of telephone books, standard calendars, height and weight charts, and tape measures and rulers
- Works created by the U.S. Government
- Works for which copyright has expired; works in the public domain
Copyright Clearance Center (www.copyright.com)