Blackwell Reference Online

Extract

Copyright is the branch of law that provides property rights in expression, and it is the primary legal regime for the cultural and information industries, including print publishing, music, film, television, radio, theater, computer software, photography, and fine art. Copyright only protects expression, not the ideas being expressed. Ideas are the thoughts inside our heads and expression is the way we communicate those thoughts to others (→  Freedom of Communication ). A book may include many facts and ideas. The author then uses specific expression, including words or pictures, to communicate those facts and ideas. A second author (or artist or musician) can use any of the facts or ideas contained in the book but would need permission to copy the first author's expression. Only original expression can be protected by copyright. Under international treaties, copyright protection begins the moment the expression is fixed (stored) in a tangible medium, which might include words on paper, paint on canvas, music on tape, or digital bits stored in a computer file. The copyright owner is granted control over the reproduction, distribution, public performance, public communication, and public display of the work as well as control over any derivative works that are based on the copyrighted expression. Derivative works include translations and adaptations, such as when a written story ... log in or subscribe to read full text