A more thorough explanation:

The applied-art doctrine is a rule that states that a work of art that has a practical use and is also expressive can be protected by copyright. This means that if a piece of art has a function beyond just being looked at, it can still be protected by copyright law.

For example, bookends, lamps, and sundials are all examples of works of art that have a practical use. They are not just decorative, but they also serve a purpose. Even though they have a function, they can still be protected by copyright law because they are also expressive works of art.

Another example of a work of art that could be protected by copyright under the applied-art doctrine is a decorative vase that is also functional as a water pitcher. The vase is not just decorative, but it also has a practical use, which means it could be protected by copyright law.

Overall, the applied-art doctrine allows for works of art that have a practical use to still be protected by copyright law, as long as they are also expressive works of art.