common-law copyright

noun

: a copyright in common law protecting unpublished works

Note: Works created after January 1, 1978, are protected by statutory rather than common-law copyright while unpublished.

Dictionary Entries Near common-law copyright

Cite this Entry

“Common-law copyright.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/common-law%20copyright. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!