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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.^{[citation needed]} An original work is one not received from others nor one copied based on the work of others.^{[citation needed]} The term "originality" is often applied as a compliment to the creativity of artists, writers, and thinkers.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] 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.^{[clarification needed]}

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.^{[citation needed]}

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.^{[citation needed]}

In United Kingdom intellectual property law, a derived work can demonstrate originality, and must do so if it is to respect copyright.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] 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.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] See also

• 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)
• sweat of the brow

[edit] External links

• The Complete Idiot's Guide to Philosophy