Feist Publications v. Rural Telephone Service

Definition

Feist Publications v. Rural Telephone Service is a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case from 1991 that determined the standards for copyright protection regarding factual compilations. The Court ruled that the mere collection of facts does not warrant copyright protection unless there is an original expression or creativity involved in the way those facts are presented. This case highlights the limitations of copyright in protecting databases and factual information, which are crucial aspects of intellectual property rights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The case arose when Feist Publications, a publisher of telephone directories, copied data from Rural Telephone Service's directory without permission.
2. The Supreme Court held that the telephone directory was not entitled to copyright protection because it lacked originality in its compilation of factual information.
3. This decision established that facts themselves cannot be copyrighted, but the original expression of those facts can be.
4. The ruling emphasized the importance of originality as a criterion for copyright protection, impacting how databases and factual collections are viewed under copyright law.
5. Feist Publications v. Rural Telephone Service has become a foundational case in understanding copyright limitations, especially in contexts involving databases and collections of information.

Review Questions

• How did the Supreme Court's decision in Feist Publications v. Rural Telephone Service impact the concept of originality in copyright law?
  • The Supreme Court's decision clarified that for a work to receive copyright protection, it must contain an element of originality beyond the mere presentation of facts. This means that simply compiling data or facts without any creative input does not qualify for copyright. As a result, this ruling set a precedent that affected how courts evaluate originality in future cases involving factual compilations and databases.
• Discuss the implications of the Feist Publications ruling on the publishing industry and creators of factual databases.
  • The implications of the Feist Publications ruling were significant for the publishing industry, particularly for those who create directories and databases. Since facts cannot be copyrighted, publishers faced challenges in protecting their compilations from being copied by competitors without consent. This led to increased emphasis on developing unique formats or presentation styles to establish copyright claims while navigating a more competitive landscape where factual information is freely accessible.
• Evaluate the broader impact of Feist Publications v. Rural Telephone Service on copyright law and intellectual property rights in an increasingly digital world.
  • The broader impact of Feist Publications v. Rural Telephone Service on copyright law highlights a growing tension between protecting intellectual property rights and ensuring access to factual information. In an increasingly digital world, where databases and information are easily shared and replicated, this case underscores the necessity for creators to innovate in how they present data to secure legal protections. As industries adapt to digital formats, the ruling continues to influence discussions around copyright reform and the balance between ownership and public access to information.

Related terms

Copyright: A legal right that grants the creator of original works exclusive control over the use and distribution of their creations for a specified period.

Originality: A requirement for copyright protection that mandates a work must possess some degree of creativity or novelty to qualify for legal rights.

Public Domain: The status of creative works that are not protected by copyright law and are free for use by anyone without permission.