Okay, so ‘Fixed in a Tangible Medium of Expression’ seems like a long phrase, but it is an important one with regards to copyright law. According to copyright, original works of authorship (including audio and visual recordings, dramatic works, literary, musical, graphics and photographs, software and other intellectual works) become ‘fixed in a tangible medium of expression’ once a work or works have been put into a perceptual form directly or with the assistance of a device.

Works that are fixed in a tangible medium expression can be some form of literature that may have been created on notebook paper or on a computer document. In terms of musical works, fixed in a tangible medium of expression may be applied to the actual sheet music or phonographic recording.

Unwritten words that are merely spoken or ideas are not considered works fixed in a tangible medium of expression, and therefore, are not qualified for copyright protection.

Copyright holders (of works fixed in a tangible medium of expression) have the exclusive rights and authority to control how works are to be used (e.g. derivative works; display of works; distribution; performance and reproduction).

We hope that this explanation provides sufficient information about original works fixed in a tangible medium of expression, however, if you would like to contribute your own article or story about this particular topic, feel free to do so at Media Positive Radio today.