Joint Works

This lesson explores the concept of a "joint work" in copyright law, including the legal standards which determine whether a work has been jointly authored as well as the legal consequences that attach to this characterization.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the lesson, the student will be able to:

1. Distinguish between joint works, collective works, and derivative works.
2. Define the difference between a joint work and a jointly owned copyright.
3. Explain when joint work status is determined.
4. List what we know about a work when it is labeled a joint work.
5. Explain the rights of the individual authors of a joint work.
6. Explain what an owner of a joint work can do with a work's exclusive rights.