Which Works Are Protected by Copyright?
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Last Updated:
July 19, 2007 11:14 AM
Copyright protects "original works of authorship" that are fixed in a tangible form of expression. The fixation need not be directly perceptible as long as it may be communicated with the aid of a machine or device (for example, a computer or CD player). Copyrightable works include the following categories:
- Literary works;
- musical works, including any accompanying words;
- dramatic works, including any accompanying music;
- pantomimes and choreographic works;
- pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works;
- motion pictures and other audiovisual works;
- sound recordings;
- architectural works.
These categories are viewed broadly. For example, computer programs may be registered as "literary works"; maps and architectural plans may be registered as "pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works."