Is dance choreography copyrighted?
Is dance choreography copyrighted?
Under the Copyright Act of 1976, choreography is directly addressed and—once registered—protected as long as it is “fixed.” Attorney and former dancer Gregory DeSantis, who focuses his work on trademark and copyright law, says the definition of “fixed” choreography lies in the difference between something imagined and …
Which type of intellectual property can protect a dance?
A dance performance integrates several elements of creativity, many of which are protectable as intellectual property in the form of copyrights, industrial designs, and patents. Representations used by dancers can be protected as trademarks, and their identity under the publicity rights regime.
What is considered choreography?
Choreography is the art of creating a dance routine by grouping together and organizing different dance moves into sequences and patterns that can be done to a specific song, beat, or melody. Choreographers are considered the innovators of dance. They can create dance routines for any number of people.
Who owns dance choreography?
If creating choreography for dances was part of the scope of the teacher’s job—and if the dances in question were actually created during her employment with your studio—your studio owns the rights to that work.
Is the moonwalk copyrighted?
The Moonwalk is not a work protectable by Copyright Law because it is a “social dance step” or “simple routine,” which is explicitly not covered under copyright law.
Are dances intellectual property?
Dance and other forms of IP: Besides copyright protection, an entire dance performance encompasses within itself various elements, all of which are capable of being protected under some or the other form of Intellectual Property Laws.
What are the principles of choreography?
All choreography (regardless of genre) is based on the following five principles. Dynamics Space Relationships Actions Body Parts Each part is like a jigsaw piece and which join to create an effective dance.
What is the purpose of choreography?
A Choreographer designs and directs the dance or stylized movement in musical productions, working closely with the director and musical director. A choreographer works with dancers to interpret and develop ideas and transform them into the finished performance.
Is the choreography protected by copyright in Australia?
In a musical, the choreography may also be protected as part of the show, which is a dramatic work in itself. Not all choreographic works will be protected under Australian law, as copyright does not protect ideas or styles.
Who is the owner of copyright in dance?
The owner of copyright in choreography has exclusive rights under the Copyright Act to reproduce the work, communicate the work to the public – broadcasting performance, email, putting on internet/website – and perform the work in public. So this means that dancers usually need to get permission from a choreographer to dance their dance!
Can a dancer use a choreographer’s choreography without permission?
Copyright of choreography also means that dancers will need to be careful not to use substantial or distinctive parts of the choreography they have learnt without the owner’s permission. Otherwise, dancers could be infringing the owner’s copyright.
Do you have to be original to be copyrighted in Australia?
However, to be protected by copyright law, your choreography does need to be both ‘ original ‘ and recorded in ‘ material form ‘ (documented in some way—recorded on video or written down in dance notation). For more information, visit the Australian Copyright Council website for their Choreographers and copyright factsheet.