Legal Question in Intellectual Property in California
Foreign Language Copyright
My understanding is that there are approximately 1,000 common use words in English. If someone were to compile a list of an equivalent word from various foreign languages, put it in dictionary form and create a name for the word list, could such a dictionary be copyrighted? And would such a copyright be considered an original work? I hope my question is clear. Thank you.
Asked on 12/13/08, 11:51 pm
1 Answer from Attorneys
Gordon Firemark
Law Offices of Gordon P. Firemark
Re: Foreign Language Copyright
Generally "Facts" are not copyright protect-able. There might be some minimal protection for your selection and organization process, a mere list of synonyms would have little protection.
Answered on 12/14/08, 7:58 pm