Tennessee
How Feist Publications, Inc. v. Rural Telephone Service Co. applies in Tennessee: state-specific rules, key cases, and bar exam notes for Copyright.
Tennessee law follows the principle established in Feist, requiring originality for copyright protection. The effort involved in compiling data alone does not suffice; the selection or arrangement must demonstrate creativity to warrant copyright interest.
In Tennessee, for a work to be copyrightable, it must possess a minimal degree of creativity and originality, aligning with the threshold established by the Feist decision.
Held that a compilation of information must reflect creativity and original thought to qualify for copyright protection.
Confirms that mere sweat of the brow, without creative expression, does not meet the originality standard for copyright.
Reiterated that compilations, even if they require substantial effort, do not automatically qualify for copyright without creativity.
Tennessee's approach mirrors the federal standard set out in Feist, emphasizing the necessity of originality in copyrightable works. However, the interpretation of 'originality' may vary slightly based on local courts' applications and precedents.
The Feist case and its implications for originality in copyright law are common subjects on the Tennessee bar exam, particularly in sections concerning intellectual property.