Re: Databases, creativity, and copyright -- what's missing is wrong?

Karsten M. Self <kmself[_at_]ix.netcom.com> wrote:
>
> I don't believe that every compilation would merit the distinction --
> a pile of rocks is not necessarially a sculpture. Rural may not have
> met the mark. But a database in which the spark of originality could
> be shown to exist should.
>
> <sigh> I'm just another misunderstood artist.

I'm not sure how well you read Feist, since the court says exactly the same thing. Its sets the threshold for creativity at a very low level, but it says some creativity in selection or arrangement or coordination must be present.

I'm sure your effort in providing accurate facts contributes greatly to the demand for whatever databases you verify information. A highly creative arrangement and selection of unverified facts of course could qualify for copyright protection but who would care. The value of a work in the marketplace may have nothing to with the elements that make it protectible as intellectual property.

-- 
S. Warwick
swarwick[_at_]sprynet.com