What Is Not Protected?

Some works are not protected by copyright. Areas that are not covered by copyright law include:

• Works that have not been recorded in a tangible form. For example, an impromptu speech that was not recorded or written.
• Works that are common property. Examples of these works include weights and measures, and other tables taken from public documents or other common sources
• Titles, short phrases, slogans, familiar symbols or designs, lists of ingredients, variations of typographic lettering or coloring are not protected by copyright. Some slogans or other designs may be protected by a trademark.
• Ideas, procedures, methods, systems, processes, concepts, principles, discoveries, or devices, as distinguished from a description, explanation, or illustration are not protected. Creators may seek protection of their inventions by applying for a patent.