Document: 347 U.S. 201 74 S.Ct. 460 98 L.Ed. 630 MAZER et al.v.STEIN al. No. 228. Argued Dec. 3, 1953. March 8, 1954. Rehearing Denied April 12, See 949, 637. Messrs. Max R. Kraus and Robert L. Kahn, Chicago, Ill., for petitioners. Mr. George E. Frost, Ill. (Messrs. William Freeman, Charles F. Barber, Washington, D.C., on the brief), respondents. Benjamin Forman, New York City, Register of Copyrights. Amicus curiae by special leave Court. Justice REED delivered opinion 1 This case involves validity copyrights obtained respondents statuettes male female dancing figures made semivitreous china. The controversy centers around fact that although copyrighted as 'works art,' were intended use used bases table lamps, with electric wiring, sockets lamp shades attached. 2 Respondents are partners in manufacture sale lamps. One created original works sculpture form human traditional clay-model technique. From this model, a production mold casting copies was made. resulting statuettes, without any components added, submitted to Copyright Office registration art' or reproductions thereof under § 5(g) 5(h) copyright law,1 certificates issued. Sales (publication accordance statute) fully equipped lamps preceded applications statuettes. 17 U.S.C. (Supp. V, 1952) §§ 10, 11, 13, 209, U.S.C.A. 209; Rules Regulations, 37 CFR, 1949, 202.8 202.9. Thereafter, sold quantity throughout country both sales accounted all but an insignificant portion respondents' sales. 3 Petitioners and, like repondents, make sell Without authorization, they copied embodied them them. 4 instant is one series reported suits brought against various alleged infringers copyrights, presenting same similar question.2 Because conflicting decisions,3 we granted certiorari. 346 811, 49. In present sued petitioners infringement Maryland. Stein v. Mazer, 111 F.Supp. 359. Following Expert decision rejecting reasoning District Court Rosenthal opinion, referred preceding note, dismissed complaint. Appeals reversed held valid. Cir., 204 F.2d 472.4 It said: 'A subsequent utilization work art article no way affects right owner be protected itself.' at page 477. 5 Petitioners, charged complaint their art, seek here reversal decree upholding copyrights. petition certiorari single question: 6 'Can United States when applicant primarily carried intentions into effect? 7 'Stripped down its essentials, question presented is: Can manufacturer his bases?' 8 first paragraph accurately summarizes issue. last gives it quirk unjustifiably, think, broadens controversy. requires answer, not manufacturer's register base artist's reproduced bases. As say brief, contention 'questions based upon actions respondents.' 'mass' production. 'Reproduction does mean unlimited reproduction. Their position cover industrial reproduction article. Thus reply brief states: 9 'When artist becomes designer he subject limitations design patents deserves more consideration than other designer.' 10 could have utility (h), note 1, supra, oppose. accepts copyright-ability great carved golden saltcellar Cellini adds: 11 'If, however, designed manufactured item so general public salt cellars, then entirely different conclusion would reached. such case, cellar having addition ornamental value therefore patent.' publication statue gain monopoly assert misuse invalid. 12 No unfair competition presented. constitutional power Congress confer protection questioned.5 assume, has enactments do we, clause empowering legislation 'To promote Progress Science useful Arts, securing limited Times Authors Inventors exclusive Right respective Writings Discoveries', Art. I, cl. includes within term 'Authors' creator picture statue. Court's will writ certiorari.6 recent years utilitarian articles been much discussed.7 13 answering issue, review development coverage clear purpose legislation. 1790 First conferred 'authors map, chart, book books already printed'.8 Later, designing, engraving etching included;9 1831 musical composition;10 dramatic compositions 1856;11 photographs negatives 1865.12 14 Act 1870 defined copyrightable matter as: 15 '* * book, composition, engraving, cut, print, photograph negative thereof, painting, drawing, chromo, statute, statuary, models designs perfected fine arts'. (Emphasis supplied.)13 16 italicized part added three-dimensional what had previously.14 1909 again enlarged scope statute.15 new provided 4: 'That which may secured shall include writings author.'16 18 Some writers interpret section being coextensive grant,17 House Report, while inconclusive, indicates 'declaratory existing law' only.18 Section relating classes read shown margin additions material decision.19 Significant our purposes deletion fine-arts Act.20 Verbal distinctions between purely aesthetic ended insofar statutory language concerned.21 19 practice Office, 1874 Acts before Act, allow 'as arts' character those now challenge. Seven examples appear Government's amicus curiae.22 1910, interpreting pertinent Regulations margin.23 Because, explained Government, regulation 'made reference might fairly considered also serve purpose,' reworded 1917 below.24 sixty selected five-year intervals, 1912—1952, said typical registrations possessing aspects.25 current regulation, published 202.8, reads thus: 20 'Works (Class G)—(a)—In General. class artistic craftsmanship, far mechanical aspects concerned, jewelry, enamels, glassware, tapestries, well belonging arts, paintings, drawings sculpture. *' 21 So contemporaneous longcontinued construction statutes agency administer statuette here.26 22 once essayed fix limits arts.27 That effort need appraised relation statute arts. Herbert Putnam, Esq., Librarian active movement amend laws, told joint meeting Senate Committees: 23 'The deliberately broader specification idea there subject-matter (for instance, applied design, yet province patents), properly entitled law.'28 24 successive acts, legislative history unite show 'reproductions terms authority these Individual perception beautiful too varied permit narrow rigid concept art. standard can hardly better words Regulation, naming things appertain They must original, is, author's tangible expression ideas. Compare Burrow-Giles Lithographic Co. Sarony, 53, 59—60, 279, 281 282, 28 349. Such expression, whether meticulously delineating model mental image conveying meaning modernistic color, copyrightable.29 What cases confirm statute.30 25 statues issue goes solve stands bars invalidates registration. depends solely interpretation. after protect writing author. Its creates copyright.31 did exist common law even though property unpublished work.32 26 But congressional enactment patent laws should interpreted denying articles.33 say: 27 'Fundamentally historically, repository each claimant considers cultural treasure, whereas Patent evidence advance technological fields.' argument require critical examination given monopoly. Attention called Gorham Mfg. White, Wall. 511, 731, 1842, Stat. 544, granting anyone who 'their own industry, genius, efforts, expense, invented produced *.' A pattern flat silver upheld.34 intermediate differs little. 'Whoever invents new, obtain therefor, generally provisions concerning invention. 171, 66 805, 35 171. petitioner sees effect law: 29 'If satisfy novelty requirements anyone.' 30 Petitioner furnished booklet numerous manufacture, quite indistinguishable type from issue.35 urges overlapping give author inventor choice permitted. We assume takes only patent, if given.36 31 involved copyrightable, decide patentability. Though courts passed allowance election patentee grant other, not.37 hold patentability fitted unfitted, bar Neither Statute nor says because thing patentable copyrighted. hold.38 32 Unlike disclosed; idea—not itself.39 Thus, Baker Selden, 101 99, 841, peculiar system bookkeeping infringed using plan achieved results where infringer arrangement columns headings. distinction illustrated Fred Fisher, Inc. Dillingham, 298 145, 151, court speaks two men, perfectionist, independently making maps territory. identical particular neither infringe other's copyright. Likewise directory product independent work.40 protects originality rather invention—conferring 'the sole multiplying copies.'41 Absent copying copyright.42 exclude others lamps; prevent incorporated some Regulation makes 'form aspects.' Rosenthal, 103 227, 231. dichotomy beauty invention patents. find nothing support industry eligible limitation law. 33 Nor think element article, later embodiment 34 law, statutes, reward secondary consideration.' Paramount Pictures, 334 131, 158, 68 915, 929, 92 1260. However, 'intended definitely valuable, enforceable rights authors, publishers, etc., burdensome requirements; 'to afford greater encouragement literary (or artistic) lasting benefit world." Washingtonian Pub. Pearson, 306 30, 36, 59 397, 400, 83 470. economic philosophy behind conviction individual personal best welfare through talents authors inventors 'Science Arts.' Sacrificial days devoted creative activities deserve rewards commensurate services rendered. 36 Affirmed. Opinion DOUGLAS, BLACK concurs. 38 An important underlies case—a stirred oral treated briefs. art', 'models copyrighted, U.S.C 5, 5; holds included art'. copyright? 39 Article Constitution grants thus circumscribed: allows 'authors' 'writings.' Is sculptor 'author' 'writing' Constitution? never decided question. 40 349, 41 Bleistein Donaldson Lithographing Co., 188 239, 298, 47 460, chromolithographs advertisements circus 'pictorial illustrations' laws. Broad latter very modest grade something irreducible, man's alone. unless restriction act.' U.S., 250, 300. range 'writings' field either W. Woolworth Contemporary 344 228, 73 222, 97 276, recently damages. 42 At times initiative issues raised, argued, briefed parties. Such, example, Continental Illinois Nat. Bank & Trust Rock Island 294 648, 667, 55 595, 601, 79 1110, constitutionality 77 Bankruptcy 205, noticed party. now. pressing one, urgency decision. Moreover, materials meager (see Fenning, Origin Clause Constitution, Geo.L.J. 109 (1929)); research needed. 43 interests category considerable. supplied us long list copyrighted—statuettes, ends, clocks, door knockers, candlesticks, inkstands, chandeliers, piggy banks, sundials, pepper shakers, fish bowls, casseroles, ash trays. Perhaps sense. me, least, obviously so. time came problem full face. I accordingly put reargument. 4, title author.' Id., 5: application specify following claimed belongs: '(g) Works art; '(h) Reproductions art.' Errors classification immaterial. Note 19, infra. unreported action, Zuckerman DuBeshter, pending Eastern York. Note, Harv.L.Rev. 877, 878, n. 8. advised consent February 24, Lamp 611, 96 action brought. Through accident presentation, trial determined attachments. 'was practical use' intended. 98. On reconsideration, presence absence attachments 359, 361; Stein, 205 633, 634. Seventh Circuit affirmed ground 'does refer provide previous proper tribunal offered 613. second case. 'Protection dissipated taking unadulterated object integrating commercially valuable merchandise.' 230. appeal, Ninth affirmed, saying theory loses status functional basis wording design-patent excludes operation laws.' 635. Benaderet, 364, 365, district Michigan 'intent purpose' determines plaintiffs defendants. appeal Sixth Circuit. opinions above litigation careful reading. Copyrights participated supported Solicitor General filed Court, argument. 882, 143. reach questions raised Chicago G.T.R. Wellman, 143 339, 345, 402, 176; People State ex rel. Rosevale Realty Kleinert, 268 646, 651, 45 618, 619, 69 1135; C.I.O. McAdory, 325 472, 475, 65 1395, 1397, 89 1741. mentioned bring us. Herbring Lee, 280 111, 117, 50 49, 51, 217. jurisdiction emerges. Chicot County Drainage Dist. Baxter Bank, 308 371, 60 317, 84 329. Kalb Feuerstein, 433, 343, 370, R.I. P.R. 1110. following: upheld unanimously. 'By meant productions congress declared forms writing, printing, engravings, etchings, ideas mind visible expression.' 58, 281. 'These findings, plaintiff's intellectual invention, plaintiff author, inventions constitution secure him use, publish, sell, done 4952 Revised Statutes.' 60, 282. 249 299—300, posters. 'We mention suggestion painting end, among progress empowered promote. limit satisfies immediate bodily needs. Personality always contains unique. expresses singularity handwriting, Kalem Harper Bros., 222 55, 63, 20, 22, 56 92, pirating motion pictures book. 'It argued construed it, beyond writings. suggested extend ideas, distinguished clothed. attempt expressed. confines itself particular, cognate, well-known If extent thought writings, cannot wrong.' Schreiber Thornton, 603, grounds, Thornton Schreiber, 124 612, 613, 577. 109; Story, 5th ed.), c. XIX. Trade-Mark Cases, 100 82, 94, 550. trade-mark act Clause. unanimous trade-marks unconstitutional. ordinary necessary discovery. endeavor classify head objections equally strong. this, regard inventions, required. And word liberally construed, been, prints, &c., founded powers mind. fruits labor, books, like.' 'depend novelty, discovery, brain. fancy imagination, laborious thought. simply priority appropriation.' commerce, pages 95—98; Robert, Commentary Lanham (§§ 81—1113, 1948) p. 265. National Licorice Laber Relations Board, 309 350, 357, 2, 569, 574, 799; Talking Pictures Corp. Western Electric 304 175, 546, 58 849, 82 1273; Crown C. S. Ferdinand Gutmann 159, 842, 1265, cited; Gunning Cooley, 90, 231, 720. policy Rule 38(2), Supreme States, U.S.C.A., bringing 'additional case' condemned Irvine California, 128, 129, 381. Ball, Law Literary Property (1944), 390; Howell, (1952), 130; Ladas, International Protection Artistic (1938), 247; Weil, (1917), 227; Derenberg, No-Man's Land: Fringe Rights Property, 1953 Problems Analyzed (CCH) 215; Pogue, Borderland—Where Design Meet, 52 Mich.L.Rev. 33; Notes, Geo.Wash.L.Rev. 353; 877; Ind.L.J. 130. Report Committee, Board Trade, October 1952, Industrial Designs, pp. seq. 124. 436. 139. 540. Between 1789 1904, twenty-five dealing Salberg, (1905), 89—93. 86, 212. vested control records 85. connection phrase arts,' see amendatory 78, 460. contained provision: act, 'Engraving,' 'cut' 'print' pictorial illustrations connected prints labels entered registered Office.' repealed 1939 enacted: 'SEC. 2. 5(k) 'An consolidate respecting copyright' approved 1909, hereby amended read: '(k) Prints including merchandise." 53 1142. amendment 1077. noted, conform language, U.S.C.(Supp. 5(k), contain Act. S.Rep.No.6187, 59th Cong., 2d Sess., specifications unfortunate necessarily imperfect requiring frequent processes. bill definition substitutes term, 'all broadly, doing uniformly judicial has, authorizing remote popular significance photographs, dramas, unwritten. 'As interpreted, 'writings to-day parlance nearly represented 'works'; adopts; referring back, safe anchorage, regarding record recorded reproduced." 1884, spite specified 'author.' chirography typography. 1076. 214; (3d ed. 1952), H.R.Rep.No.2222, 60th Sess. 10. report point, however. '(a) Books, composite cyclopaedic works, directories, gazetteers, compilations; '(b) Periodicals, newspapers; '(c) Lectures, sermons, addresses, prepared delivery; '(d) Dramatic dramatico-musical compositions; '(e) Musical '(f) Maps; '(i) Drawings plastic scientific technical character; '(j) Photographs; illustrations: 'Provided, nevertheless, four error invalidate impair Act.' Subsection (k) 'including merchandise' 1939. 14, supra. Two '(l) Motion-picture photoplays' '(m) Motion 1912. 488. repeal defining cuts 'fine Title Code 'Copyrights' codified positive 1947 change provisions. 61 652, V., 5. E.g., figure bearing urn front partly drapery head. nude waist up below concealed conventionalized skirt draperies flow forward forming tray base. Sides back fluted form. whole candlestick match tray. standing bent hips waist.' art.—This so-called (Paintings, drawings, sculpture.) 'Productions arts registration, artistically ornamented.' Registration Claims Copyright, Bulletin (1910), character, ornamented law; notwithstanding afterwards utilized manufacture.' 1939, 201.4(7). 'Lighting fixture design. By Guitini. (Bowl-shaped bracket embellished half-nude woman bunch flowers.) December 28, number G 42645. claimant: Kathodion Bronze Works, York.' Great Northern 315 262, 275, 62 529, 534, 86 836. Perry, 146 71, 74, 26, 27, 890. Arguments Committees Patents Representatives, conjointly, 6330 H.R. 19853, To Amend Consolidate Respecting 1st June 6—9, 1906, 11. statement applicable since (h) sections 19853. Although hearings reports 51 Committee Hearings (1906—1912), Consolidating Revising Laws; 3), Putnam explanation S.Rep.No. 6187, refers designation 'fine' category. Cf. H. White Morton Converse Son 311. 349; 300, 460; Louis De Jonge Breuker Kessler C.C., 182 150, 152; 193 162, 164; 276; Yuengling Schile, 97, 100; Schumacher Schwencke, 466; Pellegrini Allegrini, 610. Wheaton Peters Grigg, Pet. 591, 661, 1055; Fox Film Doyal, 286 123, 127, 76 1010. Lord Brougham St. Leonards Jefferys Boosey, IV H.L.C. 815, 968, 979, Eng.Rep. 681, 741, 745. relied Taylor Instrument Companies Fawley-Brost 139 98, Brown Warner, U.S.App.D.C. 232, 161 910. These Mechanical Laws mutually exclusive. Laws, answer courts. grounds 191 35, 235 33, 6, 113; cited 37, said, 525: metal material; worked into, on, manufacture; shape configuration manufacture—it view. produced, given, distinctive appearance applied, proposes ingenious producer appearances advantages flowing itself, therefore, caused, constitutes mainly, entirely, contribution deems worthy recompense.' 170.445 Base fanciful girl high rock bathing costume. English 1911, Halsbury's Statutes England (2d ed.) 800, registrable Designs (now Registered patterns multiplied process. Trade ruled deemed process fifty articles. (Industrial Designs) Rules, 2367, Statutory Instruments 1453. supra; re Blood, 57 App.D.C. 351, 772; Korzybski Underwood Underwood, Inc., 727; A. Meier Glass Anchor Hocking Corp., 95 264, 267; Jones Bros. Underkoffler, 729; 150; 884; cf. See, 58. 162; Ansehl Puritan Pharmaceutical 131; Fulmer 1021, 122 Ct.Cl. 195; Muller Triborough Bridge Authority, 298. Sampson Murdock Seaver-Radford 140 539. Annotation A.L.R. 585. Jewelers Circular Keystone Publishing, 83, 571. White-Smith Music Apollo 209 319, 655; 249, 299, Arnstein Porter, 154 464, 468—469; Alfred Bell Ltd. Catalda Fine 103; Christie Cohan, 827.

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