4. C.J.S. Copyrights and Intellectual Property §§ 9–10, 16.]
applied art doctrine
applied-art doctrine. Copyright. The rule that a pictorial, graphic, or sculptural work that has an inherent use apart from its appearance, and is also an expressive work apart from its utility, may qualify for copyright protection. • Examples have included bookends, lamps, and sundials. In contrast to applied art, industrial designs are not copyrightable, although they may be protected by design patents instead. — Also termed useful-article doctrine. [Cases: Copyrights and Intellectual Property