Next message: Herbert Prinz: "Re: Ulugh Beg's sextant"
Frank wrote:
> "However, the British also claim copyright over the page layout of the
> almanac which is a creative issue. Most everyone agrees that that claim is
> proper."
One of the few in disagreement. When I create a brochure or catalog I can
copyright the photographs, illustrations, (and if I created new type faces,
those too). I cannot copyright the graphic design, no matter how elegant or
novel, according the the good Copyright and Library of Congress folks. From
my vantage point, page or tabular layout falls into the category of graphic
design. Of course--with a high-priced intellectual-property attorney--I
could probably skate around that through some loophole. For example I
cannot copyright the individual frames (still photos for all practical
purpose) of a film but can copyright it as a body of work. Same with a web
site. Page by page, no. As a whole, yes. I imagine you are too too
familiar with the software/source code requirements for
copyright--especially working with the government.
Apologizing in advance, the whole copyright discussion (and the rant on
physicists) has struck my sense of the ridiculous--or sublime. I can
imagine a Monty Python sketch. A physicist attempting to copyright, or
better yet patent a method for creating the universe. The Pope and His
minions arguing that God already holds the patent for creating the universe,
but had not created patent offices at the time of creation. It needs to be
fleshed out, but seems like the makings of a great off-off Broadway show.
<g>
Bill
PS. Do not read the above without sending me a signed, predated,
non-disclosure agreement.
Bill
