Feist Publications v. Rural Telephone Service

Definition

Feist Publications v. Rural Telephone Service is a landmark Supreme Court case from 1991 that determined the requirements for copyright protection of factual information. The court ruled that merely compiling facts does not merit copyright protection unless there is a sufficient level of originality in the arrangement or presentation of those facts. This case has significant implications for how copyright law interacts with databases and factual compilations, particularly regarding the originality requirement.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of Feist Publications, stating that Rural Telephone Service's white pages directory lacked sufficient originality to warrant copyright protection.
2. The case clarified that the mere collection of facts does not qualify for copyright unless the selection or arrangement of those facts demonstrates creativity.
3. This ruling has impacted how businesses compile data and emphasized the distinction between facts (which are not copyrighted) and the creative expression of those facts.
4. Feist Publications v. Rural Telephone Service established a clearer standard for evaluating copyright claims related to factual compilations and databases.
5. The decision has been referenced in numerous subsequent cases and discussions surrounding intellectual property rights, especially in relation to information-based industries.

Review Questions

• What was the main legal issue decided in Feist Publications v. Rural Telephone Service regarding copyright and originality?
  • The main legal issue in Feist Publications v. Rural Telephone Service was whether the compilation of factual information could be granted copyright protection based solely on its compilation. The Supreme Court concluded that simply gathering facts does not meet the originality standard required for copyright. Instead, it emphasized that there must be some creative expression in how those facts are presented or arranged to qualify for protection.
• Discuss the impact of Feist Publications v. Rural Telephone Service on businesses that rely on data compilation.
  • Feist Publications v. Rural Telephone Service significantly affected businesses involved in data compilation by clarifying the limitations of copyright protection for factual information. Companies can no longer assume that their compilations will be protected under copyright law merely because they collect or organize data. This ruling encourages businesses to find innovative ways to present their data creatively while being aware that the raw facts themselves remain unprotected.
• Evaluate how Feist Publications v. Rural Telephone Service has influenced subsequent legal cases and debates surrounding intellectual property rights.
  • The ruling in Feist Publications v. Rural Telephone Service has had a profound influence on subsequent legal cases and discussions about intellectual property rights, particularly in relation to databases and factual compilations. It established a clear precedent that has been cited in various court decisions when evaluating claims involving factual content. This case prompted ongoing debates about how best to balance the rights of creators with the need for public access to information, shaping legislative considerations around database protection and influencing industry practices.

Related terms

Copyright: A legal right that grants the creator of original works exclusive control over their use and distribution, typically for a limited time.

Originality: A requirement in copyright law stating that a work must possess some degree of creativity or originality to qualify for copyright protection.

Database Protection: The legal principles and regulations governing the protection of databases, which may include copyright, patent, and trade secret protections.