Define: Close Copies

A close copy refers to a work that closely resembles another work, to the point where it may be considered a derivative work or an infringement of the original work’s copyright.

Determining if a work is a close copy involves a detailed analysis of the similarities between the two works, including their overall concept, expression, and specific elements.

If you believe someone has created a close copy of your work, you may have grounds to pursue legal action for copyright infringement, which could include seeking damages and an injunction to stop the infringing activity.

Using someone else’s work as inspiration for your own work is generally permissible as long as you are not directly copying or closely imitating the original work in a way that infringes on the original creator’s copyright.

Defenses to a claim of creating a close copy may include fair use, independent creation, lack of substantial similarity, and other defences specific to copyright law.

To protect your work from being the subject of a close copy, you can register your copyright, clearly mark your work with a copyright notice, and take legal action against any potential infringers.

A close copy closely imitates another work, while a parody uses elements of a work to create a new work that comments on or satirizes the original work.

Giving credit to the original creator does not necessarily protect you from a claim of copyright infringement if your work is considered a close copy of the original work.

To defend against a claim that your work is a close copy of another work, you can argue that your work is not substantially similar to the original work, that it falls under fair use, or that it was independently created.