literary work

Any work, other than a dramatic or musical work, which is written, spoken or sung. Literary works also include tables and compilations, preparatory work for computer programs and computer programs.

The low threshold for originality in copyright dispenses with any requirement for literary style or merit in the work in question, and the reference to "literary" is taken as a reference to the form of the work, whereby the work is conveyed in a written form.

Newspapers, magazines, books, invoices, diary notes, calenders, letters, the words of songs, trade circulars and many other forms of written material are protected as literary works.

Usage: The calender qualified for copyright protection as a literary work.

Related Words: copyright; table or compilation; computer program; literary work: database; artistic work; dramatic work; musical work; intellectual property rights; duration of copyright; first owner of copyright; copyright infringement; Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 UK; patent; designs; confidential information; trade secrets.