According to court, REID does not establish any dispositive factor. Defendant claims sole authorship to prevent plaintiff from using another playwright. Plaintiff claims joint authorship to allow subsequent use. Evidence of parties understanding in creating a contract to create office software program is relevant to determination of copyright ownership. Producer of special effects footage can license other uses, but cannot sue movie producer for copyright infringement.
Author is one who originates expression and fixes idea in tangible form.
The definition of authorship reflects the conflicting interests of authors and publishers. Joint ownership of copyright is possible. Co-tenants of joint property can both use property and grant others license to use property. They cannot, however, act in manner that diminishes the rights of other tenants. Any profits made by granting license must be shared.