Meaning & use
derivative work
Last updated
Meaning
nouncountablelegal
A new work created from or based on an existing work, such as a translation, adaptation, or sequel.
Grammar: Countable: a derivative work, several derivative works.
Patterns
- a derivative work of something
- create a derivative work
- copyright in a derivative work
The film is a derivative work of the original novel, so the producers had to buy the film rights.
Translating a book into another language creates a derivative work.
You cannot sell a derivative work without the copyright holder's permission.
Word forms
| plural | derivative works |
|---|
Common combinations
- create a derivative work
- The artist created a derivative work by painting a modern version of the famous portrait.
- derivative work of
- The sequel is a derivative work of the first movie.
- copyright in a derivative work
- The court ruled that copyright in a derivative work belongs to its creator, but only if the original was used with permission.
Synonyms and how they differ
- adaptation
- A specific type of derivative work, such as a movie based on a book; 'derivative work' is the broader legal term.
- spin-off
- A derivative work that focuses on a side character or element; it is a type of derivative work, often used in entertainment.
Opposites
Word family
- derive verb
- To get something from a source; a derivative work is derived from an original.
- derivation noun
- The process of creating something from a source.
Commonly confused: derivative work or plagiarism?
derivative work vs plagiarism
Plagiarism is using someone else's work without credit; a derivative work can be legal if permission is given.
Practice
Which of the following is an example of a derivative work?
Choose one answer.
A translation is a new work based on an existing one, so it is a derivative work. A photocopy is a direct copy, not a new work; a list of facts may not be copyrightable.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “derivative work”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.