derivative work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "derivative work" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal and creative contexts to refer to a new creation that is based on or derived from an existing work, such as adaptations, translations, or modifications. Example: "The film is considered a derivative work of the original novel, incorporating many of its themes and characters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Law

Copyright

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

The result is a derivative work that provides a readable narrative of Iraq's history.

The New York Times - Books

Borrowing crosses the line when it is used for a derivative work.

The New Yorker

A four-part test determines whether a derivative work falls under fair-use protection.

The Economist

After a decade of making derivative work, he made a radical break with what had come before.

The Economist

Any photograph that focused on a suit protected by a copyright could arguably be considered a derivative work.

The New York Times

Yet this show of amateurish and derivative work by 36 emerging artists also says a lot about the competition among art mediums, the latest trickle-down trends in art making and the shortcomings of higher art education.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Surely derivative works have to be derived from something "original".

The Guardian - Books

Even derivative works -- meaning new works derived from old works -- are harmed by this law.

Huffington Post

(Photograph: PetroleumJelliffe, Creative Commons, Attribution-No Derivative Works 2.0 Generic).

The New Yorker

It now also applies to almost all media, not just printed matter, and to derivative works.

The Economist

Copyrights originally applied only to the work created; now they cover all manner of derivative works too.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "derivative work" when you want to emphasize the relationship between a new creation and its source material, especially in legal or academic discussions.

Common error

Don't assume that creating a "derivative work" automatically falls under fair use. Fair use is a complex legal doctrine, and each case depends on specific factors like the purpose and character of the use, the nature of the copyrighted work, and the amount used.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "derivative work" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it used in the context of copyright law, art, and creative processes, referring to a new work based on a pre-existing one. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

6%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "derivative work" is a common noun phrase, particularly relevant in discussions surrounding copyright law and creative arts. Ludwig's examples highlight its use in various contexts, from assessing artistic merit to understanding legal rights. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and readily usable. When writing, be mindful of the legal implications of creating "derivative works" and the nuances of fair use. Alternatives like "secondary work" or "adapted work" may be suitable depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

work derived from

Similar to 'derived work', but with a slightly different word order. This alternative also works as a synonym

secondary work

Emphasizes the dependent nature of the work, suggesting it comes after and relies on a primary work.

adapted work

Highlights the process of modification and adjustment from an original source.

based on work

Indicates a foundation or starting point in an existing creation.

modified work

Focuses on the changes and alterations made to an original piece.

work based upon

Similar to 'based on work', but with a slightly more formal tone.

inspired by work

Suggests that the original work served as a creative stimulus but may not have been directly copied or adapted.

spin-off work

Implies a new work that originates from a particular aspect or character of an existing work, often used in media.

variant work

Highlights the new version or form of work.

reimagined work

This alternative is used when the new work changes many aspects with great freedom. It is less dependent to the source.

FAQs

How is a "derivative work" different from an original work?

A "derivative work" incorporates pre-existing copyrighted material, while an original work does not. To be copyrightable, a "derivative work" must also add sufficient new creativity to transform the original.

What are some examples of "derivative works"?

Common examples include film adaptations of books, translations of literary works, musical arrangements of songs, and artwork based on existing images.

Is it always necessary to obtain permission to create a "derivative work"?

Yes, generally you need permission from the copyright holder unless your use qualifies as fair use or falls under another exception to copyright law. Failure to obtain permission can result in legal action.

What happens if a "derivative work" infringes on the original copyright?

The copyright holder of the original work can sue the creator of the infringing "derivative work" for copyright infringement. This can result in monetary damages and an injunction preventing further distribution of the "derivative work".