for: Wikipedia:No original research

Originality is the aspect of created or invented works by as being new or novel, and thus can be distinguished from reproductions, clones, forgeries, or derivative works. An original work is one not received from others nor one copied based on the work of others. The term "originality" is often applied as a compliment to the creativity of artists, writers, and thinkers.

Originality in law

In law, originality has become an important legal concept with respect to intellectual property, where creativity and invention have manifest as copyrightable works.

In the patent law of the United States and most other countries, only original inventions are subject to protection. In addition to being original, inventions submitted for a patent must also be useful and nonobvious.

In United States copyright law and the law of many other states, copyrights protect only original works of authorship, a property which has been historically and legally linked to a concept of "creativity". A work must pass a threshold of originality in order to be copyrightable.

In United Kingdom intellectual property law, a derived work can demonstrate originality, and must do so if it is to respect copyright.

Original idea

An original idea is one not thought up by another person beforehand.

Sometimes two or more people can come up with the same idea independently.

See also

• uniqueness
• derivative work
• Feist v. Rural and Bridgeman Art Library v. Corel Corp. (USA)
• Copyright protection of photographs in Switzerland - describes the criteria for the originality of photographs in Swiss law
• In fiction narratology, an original is the first-published installment of a series of works, thus having sequels, prequels, interquels, etc.
• Synonyms: archetype, prototype (the first draft of an original work), model, template, and pastiche (an imitation of an archetype or prototype in order to pay homage to the original creator)

External links

• The Complete Idiot's Guide to Philosophy