In a recent development, the leading appeal court judge at the Sixth Circuit has delivered a noteworthy precedent that asserts even the most banal or commonplace content is subject to copyright law protection. This statement accompanied the affirmation of a judgment that resulted in a business being fined over $1million in damages for plagiarizing the terms and conditions from a car-dealer loyalty program.
Copyright law has conventionally been associated with protecting works of unique creativity and innovation, but this ruling firmly asserts that it also extents to “run-of-the-mine” material. The implications could be significant, potentially observing an increase in litigation in relation to commonplace business documentation, such as terms and conditions or user agreements.
This ruling serves as a stark reminder to corporations and legal professionals of the breadth of copyright law and its implications, even within materials that may not initially appear distinctive or unique.
For more detailed information, please see the original ruling at the
Sixth Circuit Court.