To receive copyright protection, the work must be, among other things, an original work of authorship. 17 U.S.C § 102 offers examples of works of authorship. These are:
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Literary works
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Musical works and accompanying words
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Dramatic works and accompanying music
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Pantomimes and choreography
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Pictures, graphics and sculptures
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Movies and audiovisual works
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Sound recordings
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Architecture
The work of authorship must be fixed in a tangible medium of expression from which the work can be perceived, reproduced or otherwise communicated either directly or with the help of a machine or device. Ideas, procedures, proccesses, systems, methods of operation, concepts, principles, or discoveries are not copyrightable, regardless of their form.
[Last updated in July of 2020 by the Wex Definitions Team]