Get Study 28 : Copyright In Choreographic Works - Copyright

However, prior to the Act's effective date—January 1, 1978—choreography made its appearance in the records of the Copyright Office. The first person to register a claim to copyright on a choreographic work was Hanya Holm in 1952. The work—the choreography for the Broadway musical Kiss Me Kate—was registered as a drama.

Copyright Act of 1976 A dance can be copyrighted if it includes certain elements, such as: Rhythmic movements of one or more dancers' bodies in a defined sequence and a defined spatial environment, such as a stage.

Choreographic works are afforded the same exclusive rights as any other copyrighted work. Chiappetta says it would be copyright infringement and a basis for a legal claim if someone without legal authorization: Publicly performs the work. Reproduces the work.

Under the Copyright Act of 1976, choreography is directly addressed and—once registered—protected as long as it is “fixed.” Attorney and former dancer Gregory DeSantis, who focuses his work on trademark and copyright law, says the definition of “fixed” choreography lies in the difference between something imagined and ...

How could you establish copyright for an intangible work like choreography or pantomime? They must be fixed in any tangible medium of expression 5. The narrative expression of a biography or a history book could be copyrighted, but NOT the facts included inside.

For permission for commercial reproduction, please contact the author. Choreographic works have been expressly copyrightable under the Federal Copyright Law in the United States for sixteen years. Although many choreographers have registered their works, only one infringement case has reached the Federal courts.

Choreography and pantomimes are therefore copyrightable dramatic works. Choreography is the composition and arrangement of dance movements and patterns usually intended to be accompanied by music. Pantomime is the art of imitating or acting out situations, characters, or other events.

The Copyright Office website allows you to register your work online. Understanding who owns the copyright is not always straightforward. Section 201 of the Copyright Act outlines ownership. The general rule is that the copyright “vests with the author” – whoever created the choreography owns it.