derivative work

A work can be the source to many different types of derivative works that differ in type from the original. In this illustration, a comic book is the source to merchandise, a video game, a magazine and a film. Marcel Duchamp's 1919 piece L.H.O.O.Q., a derivative work based on the Mona Lisa In copyright law, a derivative work is an expressive creation that includes major copyrightable elements of a first, previously created original work (the underlying work). The derivative work becomes a second, separate work independent from the first. The transformation, modification or adaptation of the work must be substantial and bear its author's personality sufficiently to be original and thus protected by copyright. Translations, cinematic adaptations and musical arrangements are common types of derivative works.

Most countries' legal systems seek to protect both original and derivative works. They grant authors the right to impede or otherwise control their integrity and the author's commercial interests. Derivative works and their authors benefit in turn from the full protection of copyright without prejudicing the rights of the original work's author.