Tangible, original expression. This means, for example, that a verbal presentation that is not recorded cannot be copyrighted. However, anything that is tangible can be copyrighted. The fixation may be just about anything. For example, a piece of paper, a computer disk, a audiotape, or a videotape are all legitimate forms of fixation.
Originality includes a novel or a student's e-mail message to a professor.
Both are considered examples of original expression. It is not necessary for the work to be completely original. Works may be combined, adapted, or transformed in new ways that would make them eligible for copyright protection. Verbatim use is not considered original. Reference to the original work that is used to discuss a new concept would be considered original, however.