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Simple English definitions for legal terms
fixed in a tangible medium of expression
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A quick definition of fixed in a tangible medium of expression:
Fixed in a tangible medium of expression: This means that in order for something to be protected by copyright, it must be put into a physical form that others can see or hear. It can't just be an idea in someone's head. For example, a book or a song is fixed in a tangible medium of expression because it exists in a physical form that others can read or listen to. This is important because copyright exists to prevent others from copying someone else's work, and if the work is not fixed in a tangible medium of expression, it can't be copied.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: "Fixed in a tangible medium of expression" is a requirement for a work to receive copyright protection under the Copyright Act in 17 U.S.C. § 102(a). This means that a work must be expressed in a way that others can see or hear it, and it must be put into a physical form that is accessible by others.
For example, a book is fixed in a tangible medium of expression because it is written down and can be read by others. A film is also fixed in a tangible medium of expression because it is recorded and can be watched by others.
The purpose of this requirement is to prevent ideas themselves from being copyrighted, as copyright exists to protect the expression of ideas rather than the ideas themselves. It also ensures that the work can be communicated to others and referenced in the future.
However, new technologies such as artificial intelligence are posing new challenges to this requirement, as it may be difficult to determine if a work created by AI is fixed in a tangible medium of expression.