Illinois
How Feist Publications, Inc. v. Rural Telephone Service Co. applies in Illinois: state-specific rules, key cases, and bar exam notes for Copyright.
Illinois courts follow the Feist principle that factual compilations are not eligible for copyright unless they demonstrate some minimal degree of creativity. This means that mere data collection does not suffice for copyright protection.
In Illinois, the rule established from Feist is that facts cannot be copyrighted, and a work must display originality to qualify for copyright protection.
The court held that a directory's organization and selection do not rise to the level of creative originality required for copyright.
The court reaffirmed that only original works can gain copyright protection, distinguishing between mere facts and original expression.
The court ruled against copyright for factual compilations that are not creatively arranged or expressed.
Illinois adheres closely to the Feist decision, emphasizing the necessity for creativity in copyrightable works. This mirrors federal law, which also requires originality, but Illinois case law provides more clarity in applying these principles to local factual compilations.
Understanding the implications of Feist in Illinois is vital for the bar exam, particularly in questions related to copyrightability and originality.