sears–compco doctrine
Sears–Compco doctrine. The principle that Congress, by passing copyright, trademark, and patent laws, has preempted some state-law protection of information that is not protected by those statutes. Sears, Roebuck & Co. v. Stiffel Co., 376 U.S. 225, 84 S.Ct. 784 (1964); Compco Corp. v. Day-Brite Lighting, Inc., 376 U.S. 234, 84 S.Ct. 779 (1964). • The doctrine reflects a congressional policy decision that public access to information outweighs private economic incentives to collect and disseminate it. It limits how far states may protect against misappropriation. [Cases: Copyrights and Intellectual Property 109. C.J.S. Copyrights and Intellectual Property §§ 104, 108.]
