What defines a Derivative Work?

What defines a Derivative Work?

• A. A completely original creation
• B. A work only created by modifying existing items
• C. Work adapted from an already copyrighted work
• D. An unpublished work that hasn’t been expressed

Answer: (C)

A derivative work is defined specifically as a creation that is based on or adapted from one or more existing works that are under copyright protection. This means that a derivative work transforms, modifies, or builds upon the original work, while still incorporating elements of that original source. Examples of derivative works include adaptations of books into movies, translations of literature, or new versions of software that amend existing code. The correct answer reflects this understanding, emphasizing that the essence of a derivative work is its foundation upon an already existing copyrighted piece, indicating that it retains some recognizable elements of the original even as it brings something new into being. The other options do not accurately describe derivative works. An original creation refers to entirely new content that does not draw from previously existing works, while a work created solely by modifying existing items might not necessarily have the necessary transformative quality to qualify as a derivative under copyright law. Lastly, an unpublished work that hasn’t been expressed does not relate to derivative works, as copyright law specifically deals with the rights regarding works that are fixed in a tangible medium, whether published or unpublished.

A derivative work is defined specifically as a creation that is based on or adapted from one or more existing works that are under copyright protection. This means that a derivative work transforms, modifies, or builds upon the original work, while still incorporating elements of that original source. Examples of derivative works include adaptations of books into movies, translations of literature, or new versions of software that amend existing code.

The correct answer reflects this understanding, emphasizing that the essence of a derivative work is its foundation upon an already existing copyrighted piece, indicating that it retains some recognizable elements of the original even as it brings something new into being.

The other options do not accurately describe derivative works. An original creation refers to entirely new content that does not draw from previously existing works, while a work created solely by modifying existing items might not necessarily have the necessary transformative quality to qualify as a derivative under copyright law. Lastly, an unpublished work that hasn’t been expressed does not relate to derivative works, as copyright law specifically deals with the rights regarding works that are fixed in a tangible medium, whether published or unpublished.