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U.S. Code/Title 17/§ 103

Title 17

17

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17 U.S.C. § 103.Chapter 1

§ 103

Subject matter of copyright: Compilations and derivative works

Title 17
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((a)) The subject matter of copyright as specified by section 102 includes compilations and derivative works, but protection for a work employing preexisting material in which copyright subsists does not extend to any part of the work in which such material has been used unlawfully.

((b)) The copyright in a compilation or derivative work extends only to the material contributed by the author of such work, as distinguished from the preexisting material employed in the work, and does not imply any exclusive right in the preexisting material. The copyright in such work is independent of, and does not affect or enlarge the scope, duration, ownership, or subsistence of, any copyright protection in the preexisting material.

§ 102

Release: pl-119-73 (2026-01-23)

§ 104

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