Missouri
How Computer Associates v. Altai applies in Missouri: state-specific rules, key cases, and bar exam notes for Copyright / Intellectual Property.
Missouri follows federal copyright principles and emphasizes the need for a substantial similarity analysis. The substantial similarity must be analyzed not just at the surface level but also deeply in terms of idea expression.
In Missouri, copyright infringement requires proof of ownership of a valid copyright and copying of protected elements that result in substantial similarity between the works.
The court ruled that the use of substantial elements must not only be similar but also infringe upon the core expression, reaffirming the importance of a detailed analysis.
This case demonstrated that unauthorized use of creative work was actionable, and the court established a framework for analyzing substantial similarity in state law.
The court found that the artistic arrangements could be protected under copyright, further validating the application of standards from Computer Associates v. Altai in assessing originality.
Missouri's approach generally aligns with federal law but places particular emphasis on the analysis detailed by Computer Associates v. Altai. The state courts tend to engage more thoroughly in factual determinations and characterizations of creative works.
Knowledge of how Missouri applies the principles from Computer Associates v. Altai may be tested in the Copyright section of the Missouri bar exam, focusing on substantial similarity.