Q: I want to create a mobile app that uses data from a book. is this a infringement if my data is presented differently?
for instance, the page shows words and numbers, and my app will prompt for words and display those numbers.
is the data or the style copyrighted?
Thanks
A:
The short answer is: it depends.
Generally, facts cannot be copyrighted, however the display and organization of facts can be copyrighted. To answer whether the particular organization of information you're talking about contains the required level of creativity to receive copyright protection (a very low bar) or there is a copyright application covering that organization of information, an attorney would need to review the specific facts and circumstances of your situation.
Although I am not your lawyer, nor advising you what to do, you could: (a) contact attorneys, who specialize in copyright law, and ask them to review your situation (least risky from a liability standpoint, more immediately expensive); (b) you could contact whoever owns the intellectual property associated with the book you're basing your app on and seek permission (reduce risk at the possible cost of paying unnecessary licensing fees/share of profit, or prohibition from using data); (c) go forward with creating your app and hope you're not sued (most risky).
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
