FAQs – Copyright
What is a "Work of Authorship"?
A “Work of authorship” includes any of the following when fixed in a tangible medium:
Literary works (including computer software),
Music works,
Dramatic works,
Pantomimes and choreographic works,
Pictorial, graphic and sculptural works,
Movies and other audiovisual works; and
Sound recordings.
A “tangible medium” is any material object in which a work is fixed. Some examples include paper, film, records, compact discs and magnetic tape. Some works do not meet the definition of a work of authorship and are not copyrightable. Example of such works include:
- Impromptu speeches which are not fixed in a tangible medium,
- Titles and other short phrases; and
- Ideas, methods and concepts.
A work is “created” when it is fixed in a tangible medium from which the work can be perceived, either directly or by means of a machine such as record player, a computer or a movie projector.