580 U.S. ___ (2017)
Star Athletica, L.L.C. v.
Can design elements on a useful article, such as a cheerleader uniform, be perceived separately as a work of art that is eligible for copyright protection?
A feature incorporated into the design of a useful article is eligible for copyright protection if it: 1) can be perceived as a two- or three-dimensional work of art separate from the useful article, and 2) would qualify as a protectable pictorial, graphic, or sculptural work either on its own or fixed in some other tangible medium of expression.
The Supreme Court held that the design elements on the cheerleader uniforms were eligible for copyright protection because they met the separability requirement.
For law students, this case is crucial as it illustrates the complex interplay between utility and creativity in tangible objects and sets parameters for recognizing the artistic components separate from the utilitarian functions. It emphasizes the importance of understanding intellectual property rights as applied to design elements, which is essential for practitioners in fields where fashion and design intersect with legal frameworks.