Copyright in Pantomime

49 Pages Posted: 20 Aug 2015 Last revised: 6 Mar 2017

See all articles by Brian L. Frye

Brian L. Frye

University of Kentucky - College of Law; Dogecoin DAO Legal Scholarship Page; Rug Radio DAO Grifting Division

Date Written: August 18, 2015

Abstract

Why does the Copyright Act specifically provide for the protection of “pantomimes”? This article shows that the Copyright Act of 1976 amended the subject matter of copyright to include pantomimes simply in order to conform it to the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works. It further shows that the Berlin Act of 1909 amended the Berne Convention to provide for copyright protection of “les pantomimes” and “entertainments in dumb show” in order to ensure copyright protection of silent motion pictures. Unfortunately, the original purpose of providing copyright protection to “pantomimes” was forgotten. This Article argues that copyright protection of pantomimes is redundant on copyright protection of “motion pictures” and “dramatic works,” and reflects the carelessness of the drafters of the 1976 Act.

Keywords: copyright, pantomime, dumb show, choreography, Berne Convention

Suggested Citation

Frye, Brian L., Copyright in Pantomime (August 18, 2015). 34 Cardozo Arts & Entertainment Law Journal 307 (2016), Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2647044 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2647044

Brian L. Frye (Contact Author)

University of Kentucky - College of Law ( email )

620 S. Limestone Street
Lexington, KY 40506-0048
United States

HOME PAGE: http://law.uky.edu/directory/brian-l-frye

Dogecoin DAO Legal Scholarship Page

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