Legal Definitions - idea–expression dichotomy

The idea-expression dichotomy is a fundamental rule in copyright law. It means that copyright law only protects specific expressions of an idea, not the idea itself.

For example, if someone writes a book about a young wizard attending a school of magic, copyright law would protect the specific expression of that idea in the book, such as the characters, plot, and dialogue. However, copyright law would not protect the idea of a young wizard attending a school of magic itself, as that idea can be expressed in many different ways by different authors.

Another example is a song. Copyright law would protect the specific expression of the song, such as the lyrics and melody, but not the idea of a love song or a song about heartbreak, as those ideas can be expressed in many different ways by different songwriters.

The idea-expression dichotomy is important because it allows for creativity and innovation while still protecting the rights of creators. It also allows for fair use and other exceptions to copyright law, as long as the use is of the idea and not the specific expression.