[Air-l] copyright considerations

[Sandra Braman]

 works that can be copyrighted in the us must meet the following criteria:

- be the EXPRESSION of an idea (ideas can't be copyrighted)

- be ORIGINAL (be accomplished by the author)

- be CREATIVE (involve at least a modicum of intellectual activity by the
author -- an emotive grunt, even by an author, is not copyrightable)

- be FIXED (be in some form that permits it to be reproduced)

works do NOT have to be good, unique, or novel (new) -- or have any economic
value.

since 1978, copyrightable works are covered by copyright from the moment of
production, even if there is no copyright notice and even if the work is not
registered with the copyright office.  (however, one cannot pursue copyright
infringement without registration and notice.)

e-mail, websites, etc., whether fortunately or unfortunately, generally meet
these criteria.

sandra braman