IP_Feist Publication vs Rural Telephone US

7/23/2019 IP_Feist Publication vs Rural Telephone US

1/17


2/17

e$!lo%ee "oul' "a*e tra*ele' 'oor4to4'oor or con'uct a tele!"one ur*e% to #ett"e a$e in+or$ation

FEIST 'e+en'e' t"at uc" e9ect (ere econo$icall% i$!ractical an' in8+r6"i+n

,+i% in RURAL=s '*i"% g%s '%r% %#+n ,+#rig*" r+"%,"i+n.

Ditrict Court Rulin#: R!% in 8v+r +8 RURAL - ?,+r"s *v% ,+nsis"%n"!# *%! "*" "%!%*+n%

ir%,"+ri%s r% ,+#rig*"!%@

Court o+ A!!eal +or ;t"Circuit:

Ar6%

I, FACTS vs COPILATION +8 FACTS 7FACT4E=PRESSION Dic"oto$%8

F,"s C+6i!"i+n +8 F,"s

Not Co!%ri#"table

?no aut"or $a% co!%ri#"t "ii'ea or t"e +act "enarrate

Cannot clai$

Ori#inalit% 3 %,s%8,"s + n+" +'%"*%ir +rigin "+ n," +8 "*+rs*iG"*% is,+v%r%r +8"*% 8,"s is n+" i"s?6D%r@ +r

Generall% are

Co!%ri#"table

1a% !oe re>uiite

Ori#inalit% 3 ,+6i!"i+n"*+r "#i,!!#,*++s%s '*i,* 8,"s "+in,!%s (SELECTION)$in '*" +r%r "+ !,%"*%6 (COOR


3/17

?+rigin"+r@ ,+!!%,"% " s+ "*%#6# % s%%%,"iv%!# # "*%r%%rs(ARRAN5EENT)

T"e c"oice a toelection/ arran#e$ent/s+ !+ng s "*%# r%6% in%%n%n"!## "*% ,+6i!%r n%n"i! 6ini6! %gr%%+8 ,r%"ivi"#$ areu?cientl% ori#inal t"atCon#re $a% !rotectuc" co$!ilation t"rou#"t"e co!%ri#"t la(

II, H: r% FACTS NOT COP:RI5HTABLE

ORI5INALIT: - sine qua non of Copyight 7To >uali+% +or co!%ri#"t !rotection/ a (or2$ut be ori#inal to t"e aut"or8

4 T*" "*% '+rD 's in%%n%n"!# ,r%"% # "*% "*+r n "*"i" +ss%ss%s " !%s" s+6% 6ini6! %gr%% +8 ,r%"ivi"#

Ori#inalit% 'oe not i#ni+% No*elt%@ a (or2 $a% be ori#inal e*en t"ou#" it cloel% ree$bleot"er (or2 o lon# a t"e i$ilarit% i +ortuitou/ not t"e reult o+ co!%in#,

In t"e -S/ ?ORI5INALIT:@ is C+ns"i""i+n! R%ir%6%n" 3 to secure for limitedTimes to Authorsthe exclusive Right to their respective Writings 7Sec, / Art, / -SContitution8

III. LIITATION +8 COP:RI5HT PROTECTION

T"e $ere +act t"at a (or2 i co!%ri#"te' 'oe not $ean t"at e*er% ele$ent o+ t"e (or2 $a%be !rotecte', A,,+ring!#$ ,+#rig*" r+"%,"i+n 6# %"%n +n!# "+ "*+s%,+6+n%n"s +8 '+rD "*" r% +rigin! "+ "*% "*+r -T"u i+ t"e co$!ilation aut"orclot"e +act (it" an ori#inal collocation o+ (or'/ "e or "e $a% be able to clai$ aco!%ri#"t in t"i (ritten e

N+"'i"*s"ning v!i ,+#rig*"$ ss%%n" ,+6i!%r r%6ins 8r%% "+ s% "*%8,"s ,+n"in% in n+"*%rs !i,"i+nto ai' in !re!arin# a co$!etin# (or2/ s+ !+ngs "*% ,+6%"ing '+rD +%s n+" 8%"r% "*% s6% s%!%,"i+n n rrng%6%n",

Alt"ou#" it $a% ee$ un+air t"at $uc" o+ t"e +ruit o+ t"e co$!iler6 labor $a% be ue' b%

ot"er (it"out co$!enation/ "*% ri6r# +%,"iv% +8 ,+#rig*" n+" "+ r%'r"*% !+r +8 "*+rs$ " ?"+ r+6+"% "*% r+gr%ss +8 S,i%n,% n s%8!Ar"s@.

Prin,i!% +8 I


4/17

& Co!%ri#"t aure aut"or t"e ri#"t to t"eir ori#inal e

?SEAT OF THE BRO@ +r ?IN% "*" "*% in"%n" +8 ,+#rig*" !' 's n+"$ s,!i6% # Rr! n s+6% !+'%r ,+r"s$ "+ r%'r "*% %+r"s +8%rs+ns ,+!!%,"ing in8+r6"i+n K "*% s+&,!!% s'%" +8 "*% r+'+r ins"ri+s ,+!!%,"i+n +,"rin% K " r"*%r "+ r+6+"% "*%


5/17

Pr+gr%ss +8 S,i%n,% n s%8! Ar"s (U.S. C+ns". 1.2.2). T*" is$ "+%n,+rg% ,r%"iv% %r%ssi+n,

N+' ,D "+ "*% R!ing s C+r" %"'%%n FEIST n RURAL; (6+ n ni ng i&r%)

, W"at are t"e ele$ent to etabli" co!%ri#"t in+rin#e$ent

a, +'n%rs*i +8 v!i ,+#rig*"b, ,+#ing +8 ,+ns"i"%n" %!%6%n"s +8 "*% '+rD "*" r% +rigin!

As "+ "*% Firs" E!%6%n": t"i i NOT THE ISS-E in t"i cae ince FEIST conce'e't"at R-RA.6 'irector% a a ("ole/ i ub)ect to a *ali' co!%ri#"t becaue it containo$e +ore(or' te


6/17

OREOVER$ RURAL i n+" "r!# ?s%!%,"@ "+ !is* "*% n6%s "%!%*+n%n6%rs +8 i"s ss,ri%rsG RATHER IT AS REUIRE< TO

FEIST PUBLICATIONS, INC. v. RURAL TELEPHONE SERVICE CO., 499

U.S. 340 (1991)


7/17

O'CONNOR, J., delivered the opinion of the Court, in whichREHNQUIST, C. J., nd !HITE, "#RSH#$$, STE%ENS, SC#$I#,

&ENNE(, nd SOUTER, JJ., )oined. *$#C&"UN, J., concurred inthe )ud+ent.

[p*342] JUSTICE O'CONNOR delivered the opinion of the Court

[!] Thi" #$"e re%uire" u" to #l$rif& the etent of #op&ri(ht prote#tion $v$il$)le to telephone dire#tor& hite p$(e"

I

[2] Rur$l Telephone Servi#e Co+p$n& i" $ #ertified pu)li# utilit& th$t provide" telephone "ervi#e to "ever$l

#o++unitie" in northe"t ,$n"$" It i" "u)-e#t to $ "t$te re(ul$tion th$t re%uire" $ll telephone #o+p$nie" oper$tin(in ,$n"$" to i""ue $nnu$ll& $n upd$ted telephone dire#tor& Accordingly, as a condition of its monopoly franchise,Rural publishes a typical telephone directory. #on"i"tin( of white pages and yellow pages The hite p$(e" li"t

in $lph$)eti#$l order the n$+e" of Rur$l'" "u)"#ri)er". to(ether ith their ton" $nd telephone nu+)er" The &ello

p$(e" li"t Rur$l'" )u"ine"" "u)"#ri)er" $lph$)eti#$ll& )& #$te(or& $nd fe$ture #l$""ified $dverti"e+ent" of v$riou""i/e" Rural distributes its directory free of charge to its subscribers, but earns revenue by selling yellowpages advertisements

[3] 0ei"t 1u)li#$tion". In#. i" $ pu)li"hin( #o+p$n& th$t "pe#i$li/e" in $re$ide telephone dire#torie" Unlie $

t&pi#$l [p*343] dire#tor&. hi#h #over" onl& $ p$rti#ul$r #$llin( $re$. 0ei"t'" $re$ide dire#torie" #over $ +u#h

l$r(er (eo(r$phi#$l r$n(e. redu#in( the need to #$ll dire#tor& $""i"t$n#e or #on"ult +ultiple dire#torie" The Feist

directory that is the subject of this litigation covers 11 different telephone service areas in 15 counties and

contains 46,! white pages listings #o+p$red to Rur$l'" $pproi+$tel& .55 li"tin(" 6ie Rur$l'" dire#tor&.Feist"s is distributed free of charge and includes both white pages and yellow pages# Feist and Rural compete

vigorously for yellow pages advertisin(

[4] As the sole provider of telephone service in its service area, Rural obtains subscriber information $uite

easily 1er"on" de"irin( telephone "ervi#e +u"t $ppl& to Rur$l $nd provide their n$+e" $nd $ddre""e"7 Rur$l then$""i(n" the+ $ telephone nu+)er Feist is not a telephone company, let alone one with monopoly status, and

therefore lac%s independent access to any subscriber information# &o obtain white pages listings for its area'

wide directory, Feist approached each of the 11 telephone companies operating in northwest (ansas and

offered to pay for the right to use its white pages listings

[8] Of the !! telephone #o+p$nie". onl& Rur$l refu"ed to li#en"e it" li"tin(" to 0ei"t Rural"s refusal to license

its listings created a problem for Feist, as omitting these listings would have left a gaping hole in its

area'wide directory, rendering it less attractive to potential yellow pages advertisers In $ de#i"ion"u)"e%uent to th$t hi#h e revie here. the 9i"tri#t Court deter+ined th$t thi" $" pre#i"el& the re$"on Rur$l

refu"ed to li#en"e it" li"tin(" The refu"$l $" +otiv$ted )& $n unl$ful purpo"e :to etend it" +onopol& in

telephone "ervi#e to $ +onopol& in &ello p$(e" $dverti"in(:Rural Telephone Service Co.vFeist Publications,Inc.. 3 0 Supp ;!5. ;22

[;] )nable to license Rural"s white pages listings, Feist used them without Rural"s consent#0ei"t)e($n )& re+ovin( "ever$l thou"$nd li"tin(" th$t fell out"ide the (eo(r$phi# r$n(e of it" $re$ide dire#tor&. then

hired per"onnel to inve"ti($te the 4.=38 th$t re+$ined The"e e+plo&ee" verified [p*344] the d$t$ reported )& Rur$l

$nd "ou(ht to o)t$in $ddition$l infor+$tion ?" $ re"ult. $ t&pi#$l 0ei"t li"tin( in#lude" the individu$l'" "treet$ddre""7 +o"t of Rur$l'" li"tin(" do not Notith"t$ndin( the"e $ddition". hoever. !.35= of the 4;.@@ li"tin(" in

0ei"t'" !=@3 dire#tor& ere identi#$l to li"tin(" in Rur$l'" !=@2!=@3 hite p$(e" ?pp 84 . 8 0our of

the"e ere fi#titiou" li"tin(" th$t Rur$l h$d in"erted into it" dire#tor& to dete#t #op&in(


8/17

[] Rural sued for copyright infringement in the *istrict +ourt for the *istrict of (ansas

ta%ing the position that Feist, in compiling its own directory, could not use the information

contained in Rural"s white pages#Rur$l $""erted th$t 0ei"t'" e+plo&ee" ere o)li(ed to tr$vel doortodoor

or #ondu#t $ telephone "urve& to di"#over the "$+e infor+$tion for the+"elve" 0ei"t re"ponded th$t "u#h

effort" ere e#ono+i#$ll& i+pr$#ti#$l $nd. in $n& event. unne#e""$r& )e#$u"e the infor+$tion

#opied $" )e&ond the "#ope of #op&ri(ht prote#tion

The Ditrict Court #rante' u$$ar% )u'#$ent to Rural/epl$inin( th$t :court "a*e conitentl%"el' t"at tele!"one 'irectorie are co!%ri#"table$nd #itin( $ "trin( of loer #ourt de#i"ion" ;;3 0Supp 2!4. 2!@ In $n unpu)li"hed opinion. the Court o+ A!!eal +or t"e Tent" Circuit a?r$e'+or ubtantiall% t"e reaon #i*en b% t"e 'itrict court,?pp to 1et for Cert 4$. -ud(t orderreported $t =!; 0 2d !@ Ae (r$nted #ertior$ri. 4=@ US @5@ . to deter+ine hether the #op&ri(ht in

Rur$l'" dire#tor& prote#t" the n$+e". ton". $nd telephone nu+)er" #opied )& 0ei"t

II

A

[@] Thi" #$"e #on#ern" the inter$#tion of to elle"t$)li"hed propo"ition" T*% >rs" is "*" 8,"s r% n+",+#rig*"!%7 "*% +"*%r$ "*" ,+6i!"i+ns +8 8,"s g%n%r!!# r% E$#h of the"e

propo"ition" po""e""e" $n i+pe##$)le pedi(ree Th$t "*%r% ,n % n+ v!i ,+#rig*" in 8,"sis niv%rs!!# n%rs"++ The +o"t fund$+ent$l $io+ of #op&ri(ht l$ i" th$t [p*348] :no $uthor+$& #op&ri(ht hi" ide$" or the f$#t" he n$rr$te":Harper & Row.Publishers, Inc.vNation Enterprises. 4! US

83=. 88; Rur$l i"el& #on#ede" thi" point. notin( in it" )rief th$t :f$#t" $nd di"#overie". of #our"e. $re not

the+"elve" "u)-e#t to #op&ri(ht prote#tion: Brief for Re"pondent 24 ?t the "$+e ti+e. *+'%v%r$ i" is%#+n is"% "*" ,+6i!"i+ns +8 8,"s r% 'i"*in "*% s%," 6""%r +8,+#rig*". C+6i!"i+ns '%r% %r%ss!# 6%n"i+n% in "*% C+#rig*" A," +8 1909$n gin in "*% C+#rig*" A," +8 19

[=] There i" $n undeni$)le ten"ion )eteen the"e to propo"ition" $n& #o+pil$tion" #on"i"t of nothin( )ut r$

d$t$ i. e.. holl& f$#tu$l infor+$tion not $##o+p$nied )& $n& ori(in$l ritten epre""ion On h$t )$"i" +$& one#l$i+ $ #op&ri(ht in "u#h $ orD Co++on "en"e tell" u" th$t !55 un#op&ri(ht$)le f$#t" do not +$(i#$ll& #h$n(etheir "t$tu" hen ($thered to(ether in one pl$#e et #op&ri(ht l$ "ee+" to #onte+pl$te th$t #o+pil$tion" th$t

#on"i"t e#lu"ivel& of f$#t" $re potenti$ll& ithin it" "#ope

[!5] The e& to re"olvin( the ten"ion lie" in under"t$ndin( h& f$#t" $re not #op&ri(ht$)leT"e sinequa nono+ co!%ri#"t i ORIGINA.ITY T+ !i8# 8+r ,+#rig*" r+"%,"i+n$ '+rD 6s" % +rigin! "+ "*% "*+r SeeHarper & Row.supra. $t 8484= Ori(in$l. $" the ter+

i" u"ed in #op&ri(ht. +e$n" onl& "*" "*% '+rD 's in%%n%n"!# ,r%"% # "*%"*+r To )e "ure. the re%ui"ite level of #re$tivit& i" etre+el& lo7 even $ "li(ht $+ount ill "uffi#e

The v$"t +$-orit& of or" +$e the (r$de %uite e$"il&. $" the& po""e"" "o+e #re$tive "p$r. :no +$tter ho #rude.hu+)le or o)viou": it +i(ht )eId. G !5@[C][!] Ori(in$lit& doe" not "i(nif& novelt&7 $ or +$& )e

ori(in$l even thou(h it #lo"el& re"e+)le" other or" "o lon( $" the "i+il$rit& i" fortuitou". not

the re"ult of #op&in( To illu"tr$te. [p*34;] $""u+e th$t to poet". e$#h i(nor$nt of the other. #o+po"e identi#$lpoe+" Neither or i" novel. &et )oth $re ori(in$l $nd. hen#e. #op&ri(ht$)le See Sheldonvetro!"oldw#nPictures Corp.. @! 0 2d 4=. 84

[!!] Ori(in$lit& i" $ #on"titution$l re%uire+ent The "our#e of Con(re""' poer to en$#t #op&ri(ht l$" i" ?rti#le I. G

@. #l @. of the Con"titution. hi#h $uthori/e" Con(re"" to :"e#ure for li+ited Ti+e" to ?uthor" the e#lu"ive


9/17

Ri(ht to their re"pe#tive Aritin(": In to de#i"ion" fro+ the l$te !=th Centur& The Trade!ar$ Cases. !55 US

@2 7 $nd%urrow!"iles itho'raphic Co.v Saron#. !!! US 83 thi" Court defined the #ru#i$l ter+"

:$uthor": $nd :ritin(": In "o doin(. the Court +$de it un+i"t$$)l& #le$r th$t the"e ter+" pre"uppo"e $ de(ree of

ori(in$lit&

[!2] In The Trade!ar$ Cases. the Court $ddre""ed the #on"titution$l "#ope of writings#0or $ p$rti#ul$r or

to )e #l$""ified :under the he$d of ritin(" of $uthor".: the Court deter+ined. :ori(in$lit& i" re%uired: !55 US. $t=4 The Court epl$ined th$t ori(in$lit& re%uire" independent #re$tion plu" $ +odi#u+ of #re$tivit&H :Ahile the

ord writin's+$& )e li)er$ll& #on"trued. $" it h$" )een. to in#lude ori(in$l de"i(n" for en(r$vin(. print". F#. it i"

onl& "u#h $" $re ori'inal. $nd $re founded in the #re$tive poer" of the +ind The ritin(" hi#h $re to )e prote#ted$re the (ruits o( intellectual labor. e+)odied in the for+ of )oo". print". en(r$vin(". $nd the lie:Ibid

[!3] In%urrow!"iles. the Court di"tilled the "$+e re%uire+ent fro+ the Con"titution'" u"e of the ord authors#The Court defined :$uthor.: in $ #on"titution$l "en"e. to +e$n :he to ho+ $n&thin( oe" it" ori(in7 ori(in$tor7+$er: !!! US. $t 8@

#op&ri(ht l$:illerv )niversal Cit# Studios, Inc.. ;85 0 2d !3;8. !3;@ 6e$din( "#hol$r" $(ree onthi" point ?" one p$ir of #o++ent$tor" "u##in#tl& put" itH :The ori(in$lit& re%uire+ent i" constitutionall#

*andatedfor $ll or": 1$tter"on F Joe. onopoli/in( the 6$H The S#ope of Cop&ri(ht 1rote#tion for 6$

Report" $nd St$tutor& Co+pil$tion". 3; UC6? 6 Rev !=. ;3. n !88 7 id.,G !5@[C][!] Cen"u" d$t$ therefore do not tri((er #op&ri(ht )e#$u"e the"e d$t$

$re not :ori(in$l: in the #on"titution$l "en"e Ni++er [p*34@] G 253[E] The "$+e i" true of $ll f$#t" "#ientifi#. hi"tori#$l. )io(r$phi#$l. $nd ne" of the d$& :The& +$& not )e #op&ri(hted $nd $re p$rt of the pu)li#

do+$in $v$il$)le to ever& per"on:iller.supra. $t !3;=

[!;] Factual co$!ilation/ on t"e ot"er "an'/ $a% !oe t"e re>uiiteori#inalit% The ,+6i!"i+n "*+r "#i,!!# ,*++s%s '*i,* 8,"s "+ in,!%$in '*" +r%r "+ !,% "*%6$ n *+' "+ rrng% "*% ,+!!%,"% " s+ "*""*%# 6# % s% %%,"iv%!# # r%%rs T*%s% ,*+i,%s s "+ s%!%,"i+n nrrng%6%n"$ s+ !+ng s "*%# r% 6% in%%n%n"!# # "*% ,+6i!%r n%n"i! 6ini6! %gr%% +8 ,r%"ivi"#$ r% s,i%n"!# +rigin! "*"C+ngr%ss 6# r+"%," s,* ,+6i!"i+ns "*r+g* "*% ,+#rig*" !'s.Ni++er


10/17

GG 2!![9]. 3537 9eni#ol$ 823. n 3@ Thu". even $ dire#tor& th$t #ont$in" $)"olutel& no prote#ti)le ritten

epre""ion. onl& f$#t". +eet" the #on"titution$l +ini+u+ for #op&ri(ht prote#tion if it fe$ture" $n ori(in$l "ele#tion

or $rr$n(e+ent SeeHarper & Row. 4! US. $t 84 ?##ord Ni++er G 353

[!] Thi" prote#tion i" "u)-e#t to $n i+port$nt li+it$tion The +ere f$#t th$t $ or i" #op&ri(hted doe" not +e$n

th$t ever& ele+ent of the or +$& )e prote#ted Ori(in$lit& re+$in" thesine +ua nonof #op&ri(ht7

accor'in#l%/ co!%ri#"t !rotection $a% e

Row. for e$+ple. e epl$ined th$t 1re"ident 0ord #ould not prevent other" fro+ #op&in( )$re hi"tori#$l f$#t" fro+

hi" $uto)io(r$ph&. "ee 4! US. $t 88;88. )ut th$t he #ould prevent other" fro+ #op&in( hi" :"u)-e#tive

de"#ription" $nd portr$it" of pu)li# fi(ure": [p*34=]Id. $t 8;3 Ahere the #o+pil$tion $uthor $dd" no rittenepre""ion )ut r$ther let" the f$#t" "pe$ for the+"elve". the epre""ive ele+ent i" +ore elu"ive The onl&

#on#eiv$)le epre""ion i" the +$nner in hi#h the #o+piler h$" "ele#ted $nd $rr$n(ed the f$#t" Thu". if the

"ele#tion $nd $rr$n(e+ent $re ori(in$l. the"e ele+ent" of the or $re eli(i)le for #op&ri(ht prote#tion See 1$tr&.

Cop&ri(ht in Co+pil$tion" of 0$#t"

en#our$(e" other" to )uild freel& upon the ide$" $nd infor+$tion #onve&ed )& $ orHarper &

Row.supra. $t 88;88 Thi" principle, %nown as the idea'e-pression or fact'e-pression

dichotomy. $pplie" to $ll or" of $uthor"hip ?" $pplied to $ f$#tu$l #o+pil$tion. $""u+in( the $)"en#e ofori(in$l ritten epre""ion. onl& the #o+piler'" "ele#tion $nd $rr$n(e+ent +$& )e prote#ted7 the r$ f$#t" +$& )e#opied $t ill Thi" re"ult i" neither unf$ir nor unfortun$te It i" the +e$n" )& hi#h #op&ri(ht $dv$n#e" the pro(re""

of "#ien#e $nd $rt

[25] Thi" Court h$" lon( re#o(ni/ed th$t the f$#tepre""ion di#hoto+& li+it" "everel& the "#ope of prote#tion inf$#t)$"ed or" ore th$n $ #entur& $(o. the Court o)"ervedH :The ver& o)-e#t of pu)li"hin( $ )oo on "#ien#e or

the u"eful $rt" i" to #o++uni#$te to the orld the u"eful noled(e hi#h it #ont$in" But thi" o)-e#t ould )efru"tr$ted if the noled(e #ould not )e u"ed ithout in#urrin( the (uilt of pir$#& of the )oo:%a$erv Selden. !5!

US ==. !53 Ae reiter$ted thi" point inHarper & RowH

:No $uthor +$& #op&ri(ht f$#t" or ide$" The #op&ri(ht i" li+ited to tho"e $"pe#t" of the or ter+ed 'epre""ion'

th$t di"pl$& the "t$+p of the $uthor'" ori(in$lit&


11/17

KCop&ri(ht doe" not prevent "u)"e%uent u"er" fro+ #op&in( fro+ $ prior $uthor'" or tho"e #on"tituent ele+ent"

th$t $re not ori(in$l for e$+ple f$#t". or +$teri$l" in the pu)li# do+$in $" lon( $" "u#h u"e doe" not

unf$irl& $ppropri$te the $uthor'" ori(in$l #ontri)ution"L 4! US. $t 8484@

[2!] Thi". then. re"olve" the do#trin$l ten"ionH Cop&ri(ht tre$t" f$#t" $nd f$#tu$l #o+pil$tion" in $ holl& #on"i"tent

+$nner F,"s$ '*%"*%r !+n% +r s r" +8 ,+6i!"i+n$ r% n+" +rigin! n

"*%r%8+r% 6# n+" % ,+#rig*"% ?8,"! ,+6i!"i+n is %!igi!% 8+r,+#rig*" i8 i" 8%"r%s n +rigin! s%!%,"i+n +r rrng%6%n" +8 8,"s$" "*% ,+#rig*" is !i6i"% "+[p*38!] "*% r"i,!r s%!%,"i+n +rrrng%6%n".In no event +$& #op&ri(ht etend to the f$#t" the+"elve"

.

[22] ?" e h$ve epl$ined. ori(in$lit& i" $ #on"titution$ll& +$nd$ted prere%ui"ite for #op&ri(ht prote#tion TheCourt'" de#i"ion" $nnoun#in( thi" rule pred$te the Cop&ri(ht ?#t of !=5=. )ut $+)i(uou" l$n(u$(e in the !=5= ?#t

#$u"ed "o+e loer #ourt" te+por$ril& to lo"e "i(ht of thi" re%uire+ent

[23] The !=5= ?#t e+)odied the ori(in$lit& re%uire+ent. )ut not $" #le$rl& $" it +i(ht h$ve See Ni++er G 25! The

"u)-e#t +$tter of #op&ri(ht $" "et out in G 3 $nd G 4 of the ?#t Se#tion 4 "t$ted th$t #op&ri(ht $" $v$il$)le to K$llthe ritin(" of $n $uthorL 38 St$t !5; B& u"in( the ord" Kritin("L $nd K$uthorL the "$+e ord" u"ed in?rti#le I. G @ of the Con"titution $nd defined )& the Court in The Trade!ar$ Cases$nd%urrow!"iles the "t$tute

ne#e""$ril& in#orpor$ted the ori(in$lit& re%uire+ent $rti#ul$ted in the Court'" de#i"ion" It did "o i+pli#itl&. hoever.

there)& le$vin( roo+ for error

[24] Se#tion 3 $" "i+il$rl& $+)i(uou" It "t$ted th$t the #op&ri(ht in $ or prote#ted onl& Kthe #op&ri(ht$)le#o+ponent p$rt" of the orL It thu" "t$ted $n i+port$nt #op&ri(ht prin#iple. )ut f$iled to identif& the "pe#ifi#

#h$r$#teri"ti# ori(in$lit& th$t deter+ined hi#h #o+ponent p$rt" of $ or ere #op&ri(ht$)le $nd hi#h ere

not

[28] o"t #ourt" #on"trued the !=5= ?#t #orre#tl&. notith"t$ndin( the le""th$nperfe#t "t$tutor& l$n(u$(e The&

under"tood fro+ thi" Court'" de#i"ion" th$t there #ould )e no #op&ri(ht ithout ori(in$lit& See 1$tter"on F Joe

;5;! ?" epl$ined in the Ni++er tre$ti"eH KThe !=5= ?#t neither defined ori(in$lit&. nor even epre""l&re%uired th$t $ or )e 'ori(in$l' in order to #o++$nd prote#tion Moever. the #ourt" unifor+l& inferred the

re%uire+ent fro+ the f$#t th$t #op&ri(ht prote#tion +$& onl& )e #l$i+ed )& '$uthor"' It $" re$"oned th$t "in#e

$n $uthor i" 'the [p*382] #re$tor. ori(in$tor' it follo" th$t $ or i" not the produ#t of $n $uthor unle"" the ori" ori(in$lL Ni++er G 25!


12/17

KThe ri(ht to #op&ri(ht $ )oo upon hi#h one h$" epended l$)or in it" prep$r$tion doe" not depend upon hether

the +$teri$l" hi#h he h$" #olle#ted #on"i"t or not of +$tter" hi#h $re pu)li#i -uri". or hether "u#h +$teri$l" "ho

liter$r& "ill or ori'inalit#. either in thou(ht or in l$n(u$(e. or $n&thin( +ore th$n indu"triou" [p*383] #olle#tion

T*% 6n '*+ g+%s "*r+g* "*% s"r%%"s +8 "+'n n "s +'n "*%n6%s +8 %,* +8 "*% in*i"n"s$ 'i"* "*%ir +,,"i+ns n "*%ir s"r%%"n6%r$ ,ir%s 6"%ri! +8 '*i,* *% is "*% "*+rL

[2@]T"e (eat o+ t"e bro( 'octrine "a' nu$erou a(/ t"e $ot #larin# bein# t"at ite

to the $uthor ?""o#i$ted 1re"" h$d #on#eded t$in( ne" reported )& Intern$tion$l Ne" Servi#e $nd pu)li"hin( it

in it" on ne"p$per" Re#o(ni/in( th$t G 8 of the ?#t "pe#ifi#$ll& +entioned Kperiodi#$l". in#ludin( ne"p$per".LG 8. the Court $#noled(ed th$t ne" $rti#le" ere #op&ri(ht$)leId. $t 234 It fl$tl& re-e#ted. hoever. the

notion th$t the #op&ri(ht in $n $rti#le etended to [p*384] the f$#tu$l infor+$tion it #ont$inedH KThe ne" ele+ent

the infor+$tion re"pe#tin( #urrent event" #ont$ined in the liter$r& produ#tion i" not the #re$tion of the riter. )ut

i" $ report of +$tter" th$t ordin$ril& $republici0uris7 it i" the hi"tor& of the d$&LIbid [n!]

[35] Aithout $ dou)t. the K"e$t of the )roL do#trine flouted )$"i# #op&ri(ht prin#iple" Throu(hout hi"tor&.#op&ri(ht l$ h$" Kre#o(ni/ed $ (re$ter need to di""e+in$te f$#tu$l or" th$n or" of fi#tion or f$nt$"&LHarper

& Row. 4! US. $t 8;3 ?##ord or+$n. 0$#t or 0$n#&H The I+pli#$tion" for Cop&ri(ht. 2= J Cop&ri(ht So# 8;5.8;3 But K"e$t of the )roL #ourt" too $ #ontr$r& vie7 the& h$nded out propriet$r& intere"t" in f$#t" $nd

de#l$red th$t $uthor" $re $)"olutel& pre#luded fro+ "$vin( ti+e $nd effort )& rel&in( upon the f$#t" #ont$ined inprior or" In truth. Kit i" -u"t "u#h $"ted effort th$t the pro"#ription $($in"t the #op&ri(ht of ide$" $nd f$#t"

[i"] de"i(ned to preventLRose*ont Enterprises, Inc.vRando* House, Inc.. 3;; 0 2d 353. 3!5 . #ert

denied. 3@8 US !55= K1rote#tion for the fruit" of "u#h re"e$r#h +$& in #ert$in #ir#u+"t$n#e" )e

$v$il$)le under $ theor& of unf$ir #o+petition But to $##ord #op&ri(ht prote#tion on thi" )$"i" $lone di"tort" )$"i##op&ri(ht prin#iple" in th$t it #re$te" $ +onopol& in pu)li# do+$in +$teri$l" ithout the ne#e""$r& -u"tifi#$tion of

prote#tin( $nd en#our$(in( the #re$tion of 'ritin("' )& '$uthor"'L Ni++er G 354. p 323

+

[3!] KSe$t of the )roL de#i"ion" did not e"#$pe the $ttention of the Cop&ri(ht Offi#e Ahen Con(re"" de#ided to

overh$ul the #op&ri(ht "t$tute $nd $"ed the Cop&ri(ht Offi#e to "tud& ei"tin( pro)le+". "eeills usic,Inc.v Sn#der. 4;= US !83. !8= . the Cop&ri(ht Offi#e pro+ptl& re#o++ended th$t Con(re"" #le$r up the

#onfu"ion in the loer #ourt" $" to the )$"i# "t$nd$rd" of #op&ri(ht$)ilit& The Re(i"ter of Cop&ri(ht" epl$ined in

hi" fir"t report to Con(re"" th$t Kori(in$lit&L $" $ K)$"i# re%ui"iteL of #op&ri(ht under the !=5= ?#t. )ut th$t Kthe

$)"en#e of $n& referen#e to [ori(in$lit&] in the "t$tute "ee+" to h$ve led to +i"#on#eption" $" to h$t i"#op&ri(ht$)le +$tterL Report of the Re(i"ter of Cop&ri(ht" on the ener$l Revi"ion of the US Cop&ri(ht 6$.

@th Con(. !"t Se"". p = The Re(i"ter "u((e"ted +$in( the ori(in$lit&

re%uire+ent epli#itIbid
https://www.law.cornell.edu/copyright/cases/499_US_340.htm#499us340n1https://www.law.cornell.edu/copyright/cases/499_US_340.htm#499us340n1https://www.law.cornell.edu/copyright/cases/499_US_340.htm#499us340n1https://www.law.cornell.edu/copyright/cases/499_US_340.htm#499us340n1


13/17

[32] Con(re"" too the Re(i"ter'" $dvi#e In en$#tin( the Cop&ri(ht ?#t of !=;. Con(re"" dropped the referen#e to

K$ll the ritin(" of $n $uthorL $nd repl$#ed it ith the phr$"e Kori(in$l or" of $uthor"hipL ! USC G !52 In

+$in( epli#it the ori(in$lit& re%uire+ent. Con(re"" $nnoun#ed th$t it $" +erel& #l$rif&in( ei"tin( l$H KThe

to fund$+ent$l #riteri$ of #op&ri(ht prote#tion [$re] ori(in$lit& $nd fi$tion in t$n(i)le for+ The phr$"e'ori(in$l or" of $uthor"hip.' hi#h i" purpo"el& left undefined. i" intended to in#orpor$te ithout #h$n(e the

standard o( ori'inalit# established b# the courts under the present 123435 cop#ri'ht statuteL M R Rep No =4

!4;. p 8! 7 S Rep No =443. p 85

Thi" "enti+ent $" e#hoed )& the Cop&ri(ht Offi#eH KOur intention here i" to +$int$inthe established standardsof ori(in$lit& L Supple+ent$r& Report of the Re(i"ter of Cop&ri(ht" on the ener$l

Revi"ion of US Cop&ri(ht 6$. @=th Con(. !"t Se"". 1$rt ;. p 3

[33] To en"ure th$t the +i"t$e" of the K"e$t of the )roL #ourt" ould not )e repe$ted. Con(re"" too $ddition$l

+e$"ure" 0or e$+ple. G 3 of the !=5= ?#t h$d "t$ted th$t #op&ri(ht prote#ted onl& the K#op&ri(ht$)le #o+ponentp$rt"L of $ or. )ut h$d not identified ori(in$lit& $" the )$"i" for di"tin(ui"hin( tho"e #o+ponent p$rt" th$t ere

#op&ri(ht$)le fro+ tho"e th$t ere not The !=; ?#t deleted thi" "e#tion $nd repl$#ed it ith G !52. hi#h

identifie" "pe#ifi#$ll& tho"e ele+ent" of $ or for hi#h #op&ri(ht i" not $v$il$)leH KIn no #$"e doe" #op&ri(ht

prote#tion for $n ori(in$l or of $uthor"hip etend to $n& ide$. pro#edure. pro#e"". "&"te+. +ethod of oper$tion.#on#ept. prin#iple. or di"#over&. re($rdle"" of the for+ in hi#h it i" de"#ri)ed. epl$ined. illu"tr$ted. or e+)odied

in "u#h orL G !52 i" univer"$ll& under"tood to prohi)it $n& #op&ri(ht in f$#t"Harper & Row.supra. $t 84.

88; ?##ord Ni++er G 253[E] the #re$tion. )& virtue of the p$rti#ul$r "ele#tion. #oordin$tion. or $rr$n(e+ent. of $n Kori(in$lL

or of $uthor"hip KThi" trip$rtite #on-un#tive "tru#ture i" "elfevident. $nd "hould )e $""u+ed to '$##ur$tel&epre"" the le(i"l$tive purpo"e'L 1$tr& 8!. %uotin(ills usic. 4;= US. $t !;4

[3] ?t fir"t (l$n#e. the fir"t re%uire+ent doe" not "ee+ to tell u" +u#h It +erel& de"#ri)e" h$t one nor+$ll&

thin" of $" $ #o+pil$tion $ #olle#tion of preei"tin( +$teri$l. f$#t". or d$t$ Ah$t +$e" it "i(nifi#$nt i" th$t it i"

not thesolere%uire+ent It i" not enou(h for #op&ri(ht purpo"e" th$t $n $uthor #olle#t" $nd $""e+)le" f$#t" To"$ti"f& the "t$tutor& definition. the or +u"t (et over to $ddition$l hurdle" In thi" $&. the pl$in l$n(u$(e

indi#$te" th$t not ever& #olle#tion of f$#t" re#eive" #op&ri(ht prote#tion Otheri"e. there ould )e $ period $fter

Kd$t$L


14/17

[3@] The third re%uire+ent i" $l"o illu+in$tin( It e+ph$"i/e" th$t $ #o+pil$tion. lie $n& other or. i"

#op&ri(ht$)le onl& if it "$ti"fie" the ori(in$lit& re%uire+ent

[43] ?" G !53 +$e" #le$r. #op&ri(ht i" not $ tool )& hi#h $ #o+pil$tion $uthor +$& eep other" fro+ u"in( the

f$#t" or d$t$ he or "he h$" #olle#ted KThe +o"t i+port$nt point here i" one th$t i" #o++onl& +i"under"tood tod$&H

#op&ri(ht h$" no effe#t one $& or the other on the #op&ri(ht or pu)li# do+$in "t$tu" of the preei"tin(+$teri$lL M R Rep. $t 87 S Rep. $t 88 The !=5= ?#t did not re%uire. $" K"e$t of the )roL #ourt" +i"t$enl&

$""u+ed. th$t e$#h "u)"e%uent #o+piler +u"t "t$rt fro+ "#r$t#h $nd i" pre#luded fro+ rel&in( on re"e$r#h

undert$en )& $nother See. e. '..-ewelers Circular Publishin' Co.. 2@! 0. $t @@@= R$ther. the f$#t" #ont$ined in

ei"tin( or" +$& )e freel& #opied )e#$u"e #op&ri(ht prote#t" onl& the ele+ent" th$t oe their ori(in to the#o+piler the "ele#tion. #oordin$tion. $nd $rr$n(e+ent of f$#t"

[44] In "u++$r&. the !=; revi"ion" to the Cop&ri(ht ?#t le$ve no dou)t th$t ori(in$lit&. not K"e$t of the )ro.L i"

the [p*3;5] tou#h"tone of #op&ri(ht prote#tion in dire#torie" $nd other f$#t)$"ed or" Nor i" there $n& dou)t th$t


15/17

the "$+e $" true under the !=5= ?#t The !=; revi"ion" ere $ dire#t re"pon"e to the Cop&ri(ht Offi#e'" #on#ern

th$t +$n& loer #ourt" h$d +i"#on"trued thi" )$"i# prin#iple. $nd Con(re"" e+ph$"i/ed repe$tedl& th$t the purpo"e

of the revi"ion" $" to #l$rif&. not #h$n(e. ei"tin( l$ The revi"ion" epl$in ith p$in"t$in( #l$rit& th$t #op&ri(ht

re%uire" ori(in$lit&. G !527 th$t f$#t" $re never ori(in$l. G !527 th$t the #op&ri(ht in $ #o+pil$tion doe" notetend to the f$#t" it #ont$in". G !537 $nd th$t $ #o+pil$tion i" #op&ri(ht$)le onl& to the etent th$t it fe$ture" $n

ori(in$l "ele#tion. #oordin$tion. or $rr$n(e+ent. G !5!

[48] The !=; revi"ion" h$ve proven l$r(el& "u##e""ful in "teerin( #ourt" in the ri(ht dire#tion ? (ood e$+ple

i"illerv )niversalCit# Studios, Inc.. ;85 0 2d. $t !3;=!35H K? #op&ri(ht in $ dire#tor& i" properl& vieed

$" re"tin( on the ori(in$lit& of the "ele#tion $nd $rr$n(e+ent of the f$#tu$l +$teri$l. r$ther th$n on theindu"triou"ne"" of the effort" to develop the infor+$tion Cop&ri(ht prote#tion doe" not etend to the f$#t"

the+"elve". $nd the +ere u"e of infor+$tion #ont$ined in $ dire#tor& ithout $ "u)"t$nti$l #op&in( of the for+$t

doe" not #on"titute infrin(e+entL ?ddition$ll&. the Se#ond Cir#uit. hi#h $l+o"t 5 &e$r" $(o

i""ued the #l$""i# for+ul$tion of the K"e$t of the )roL do#trine in-ewelers Circular Publishin' Co.. h$" nofull& repudi$ted the re$"onin( of th$t de#i"ion See. e. '..Financial In(or*ation, Inc.vood#s Investors

Service.Inc.,@5@ 0 2d 254. 25 . #ert denied. 4@4 US @25 7Financial In(or*ation,

Inc.vood#s Investors Service.Inc.,8! 0 2d 85!. 8!5 7Hoehlin'v)niversal Cit# Studios.Inc.,;!@ 0 2d =2. == Even tho"e "#hol$r" ho)elieve th$t Kindu"triou" #olle#tionL "hould )e re$rded "ee+ to re#o(ni/e th$t thi" i" )e&ond the "#ope of ei"tin(

#op&ri(ht l$ See 9eni#ol$ 8!; 7 id.,$t 82582!. 8287 in")ur( !@;. !@5

III (Ruling of the Court)

[4;]T"ere i no 'oubt t"at Feit too2 +ro$ t"e ("ite !a#e o+ Rural 'irector% a

ubtantial a$ount o+ +actual in+or$ation ?t $ +ini+u+. 0ei"t #opied the n$+e". ton". $ndtelephone nu+)er" of !.35= of Rur$l'" "u)"#ri)er" Not $ll #op&in(. hoever. i" #op&ri(ht infrin(e+ent

To e"t$)li"h infrin(e+ent. to ele+ent" +u"t )e provenH o(ner"i! o+ a *ali' co!%ri#"t. $nd co!%in# o+ contituent ele$ent o+ t"e (or2 t"at are ori#inal SeeHarper & Row. 4! US. $t 84@,

T"e rt ele$ent i not at iue "ere@ Feit a!!ear to conce'e t"at Rural 'irector%/coni'ere' a a ("ole/ i ub)ect to a *ali' co!%ri#"t becaue it contain o$e +ore(or'te


16/17

doe" not re%uire th$t f$#t" )e pre"ented in $n innov$tive or "urpri"in( $& It i" e%u$ll& true. hoever. th$t the

"ele#tion $nd $rr$n(e+ent of f$#t" #$nnot )e "o +e#h$ni#$l or routine $" to re%uire no #re$tivit& h$t"oever The

"t$nd$rd of ori(in$lit& i" lo. )ut it doe" ei"t See 1$tter"on F Joe ;5. n !44 ?" thi" Court h$" epl$ined. the Con"titution +$nd$te" "o+e +ini+$l de(ree of #re$tivit&. "eeThe

Trade!ar$ Cases. !55 US. $t =47 $nd $n $uthor ho #l$i+" infrin(e+ent +u"t prove Kthe ei"ten#e of

intelle#tu$l produ#tion. of thou(ht. $nd #on#eptionL%urrow!"iles.supra. $t 8=;5

[85] T*% s%!%,"i+n$ ,++rin"i+n$ n rrng%6%n" +8 Rr!s '*i"% g%s +n+" s"is8# "*% 6ini66 ,+ns"i""i+n! s"nrs 8+r ,+#rig*" r+"%,"i+n?" +entioned $t the out"et. Rural ("ite !a#e are entirel% t%!ical, Peron 'eirin# tele!"oneer*ice in Rural er*ice area ll out an a!!lication an' Rural iue t"e$ a tele!"onenu$ber, In !re!arin# it ("ite !a#e/ Rural i$!l% ta2e t"e 'ata !ro*i'e' b% it ubcriberan' lit it al!"abeticall% b% urna$e The end produ#t i" $ ($rdenv$riet& hite p$(e" dire#tor&. devoid ofeven the "li(hte"t tr$#e of #re$tivit&

[8!] Rr!s s%!%,"i+n +8 !is"ingscoul' not be $ore ob*iou: it !is*%s "*% 6+s"si, in8+r6"i+n44 na$e/ to(n/ an' tele!"one nu$ber 44 about eac" !eron ("o a!!lieto it +or tele!"one er*ice, T"i i election o+ a ort/ " i" !,Ds "*% 6+i,6 +8

,r%"ivi"#necear% to tran+or$ $ere election into co!%ri#"table e

ori(in$l

[82] Ae note in p$""in( th$t the "ele#tion fe$tured in Rur$l'" hite p$(e" +$& $l"o f$il the ori(in$lit& re%uire+entfor $nother re$"on 0ei"t point" out th$t Rur$l did not trul& K"ele#tL to pu)li"h the n$+e" $nd telephone nu+)er" of

it" "u)"#ri)er"7 r$ther. it $" re%uired to do "o )& the ,$n"$" Corpor$tion Co++i""ion $" p$rt of it" +onopol&

fr$n#hi"e See 3 0 Supp. $t ;!2 A,,+ring!#$ +n% ,+! !si!# ,+n,!% "*" "*iss%!%,"i+n 's i,""% # s""% !'$ n+" # Rr!.

[83] N+r ,n Rr! ,!i6 +rigin!i"# in i"s ,++rin"i+n n rrng%6%n" +88,"s.The ("ite !a#e 'o not"in# $ore t"an lit Rural ubcriber in al!"abetical or'er,Thi" $rr$n(e+ent +$&. te#hni#$ll& "pe$in(. oe it" ori(in to Rur$l7 no one di"pute" th$t Rur$l undertoo the t$"

of $lph$)eti/in( the n$+e" it"elf But "*%r% is n+"*ing r%6+"%!# ,r%"iv% +" rrngingn6%s !*%"i,!!# in '*i"% g%s ir%,"+r# It i" $n $(eold pr$#ti#e. fir+l& rooted intr$dition $nd "o #o++onpl$#e th$t it h$" #o+e to )e epe#ted $" $ +$tter of #our"e See Brief for Infor+$tion

Indu"tr& ?""o#i$tion et $l $"*ici Curiae!5 It i not onl% unori#inal/ it i !racticall% ine*itable,T"i ti$e4"onore' tra'ition 'oe not !oe t"e $ini$al creati*e !ar2 re>uire' b% t"eCo!%ri#"t Act an' t"e Contitution

[84] % ,+n,!% "*" "*% n6%s$ "+'ns$ n "%!%*+n% n6%rs,+i% # F%is" '%r% n+" +rigin! "+ Rr! n "*%r%8+r% '%r% n+"r+"%,"% # "*% ,+#rig*" in Rr!s ,+6in% '*i"% n #%!!+'g%s ir%,"+r# ?" $ #on"titution$l +$tter. #op&ri(ht prote#t" onl& tho"e #on"tituent ele+ent" of $ orth$t po""e"" +ore th$n $ de *ini*is%u$ntu+ of #re$tivit& Rr!s '*i"% g%s$ !i6i"% "+ si,ss,ri%r in8+r6"i+n n rrng% !*%"i,!!#$ 8!! s*+r" +8 "*% 6rD.?" $ "t$tutor& +$tter. ! USC G !5! doe" not $fford prote#tion [p*3;4] fro+ #op&in( to $ #olle#tion of f$#t" th$t

$re "ele#ted. #oordin$ted. $nd $rr$n(ed in $ $& th$t utterl& l$#" ori(in$lit& iven th$t "o+e or" +u"t f$il. e

#$nnot i+$(ine $ +ore liel& #$ndid$te Indeed. ere e to hold th$t Rur$l'" hite p$(e" p$"" +u"ter. it i" h$rd to)elieve th$t $n& #olle#tion of f$#t" #ould f$il


17/17

[88] B%,s% Rr!s '*i"% g%s !,D "*% r%isi"% +rigin!i"#$ F%is"s s% +8"*% !is"ings ,nn+" ,+ns"i""% in8ring%6%n".Thi" de#i"ion "hould not )e #on"trued $"de+e$nin( Rur$l'" effort" in #o+pilin( it" dire#tor&. )ut r$ther $" +$in( #le$r th$t #op&ri(ht re$rd" ori(in$lit&.

not effort ?" thi" Court noted +ore th$n $ #entur& $(o. K'(re$t pr$i"e +$& )e due to the pl$intiff" for their indu"tr&

$nd enterpri"e in pu)li"hin( thi" p$per. &et the l$ doe" not #onte+pl$te their )ein( re$rded in thi"$&'L%a$erv Selden. !5! US. $t !58 The -ud(+ent of the Court of ?ppe$l" i"

[8;]Reversed

JUSTICE B6?C,UN #on#ur" in the -ud(+ent

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