Derivative Work And Copyright Law: Borrow, Beg Or Steal?
Introduction Any creation that borrows substantial ideas or elements from another work that is already protected by intellectual property law is called a derivative work (copyright). The new work is an expansion or continuation of the old one. A wide range of artistic productions, including derivative works, are safeguarded by intellectual property law. Let's say you're a creative type who's been inspired to produce something wholly new by another (copyrighted) work, but you want to make some changes. Is it feasible for you to safeguard your new work against infringement? The owner of the Copyright Act Literary Work for any derivative works created from their work must make that fact known. Realize that incorporating another person's work into your own may be in violation of intellectual property laws and proceed with caution if you choose to do so. Think about what it means to create a derivative work. Just what qualifies as a "Derivative Work"? Just