When Is Something Considered a Derivative Work?

How to keep things legal with copyright holders.

“Derivative works” include remixes, translations, re-arrangements, abridgments, medleys, or any other use type that recasts, transforms, or adapts an original piece of art, including a composition. Original copyright owners reserve the right to authorize derivative works, so you must get permission before you release any derivative work, whether commercially or not.

For more information on derivative works, check out this detailed U.S. Copyright Office document or our Copyright 101 post.

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Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. The content contained in this article is not legal advice or a legal opinion on any specific matter or matters.