[WikiEN-l] Copyright status of GPS coordinates

[Anthony DiPierro]

On 5/11/06, Ben Lowe <ben.lowe at gmail.com> wrote:
> I'm sure a lawyer such as Mr. Abramson or a font of knowledge such as Mr.
> Smith can confirm this, but it is my understanding that lists of factual
> information are ineligible for copyright; a work must be an "original work
> of authorship."  Phone books, for instance, are not eligible for copyright.
> I would imagine this list falls under the same blanket of ineligibility (an
> insecurity blanket?).
>
> Ben

Phone books are not eligible for copyright because there is no
creativity involved in choosing which phone numbers go in (everyone in
a city) or what way they are arranged (alphabetical order).  If a
collection of facts contains a creative selection or arrangement, it
is copyrightable.

All of this is based on US law.

Anthony