Are facts protected by copyright?

No, facts are not protected by copyright. Copyright law in Florida (and throughout the United States) states that only original works of authorship that are fixed in a tangible medium of expression are protected under copyright law. Facts, which cannot be copyrighted, generally consist of data that is considered to be either a fact, an opinion, or a combination of the two. As such, facts cannot be copyrighted and cannot be protected from duplication and use by others. In contrast, ideas that are expressed in a creative way are protected by copyright law. Ideas expressed in a creative way may include a painting, novel, song, movie, or other forms of art or expression that are original to the author. These works of authorship are protected by copyright upon creation and are the sole property of the author for as long as the copyright is in effect. Thus, although facts are not protected by copyright law in Florida or the United States, those who create original works of authorship may enjoy the protection of copyright law in order to keep their works from being copied and used without their permission.

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