What is ‘Adaptation’ Under Copyright Law?
“Adaptation” under Copyright Law:
What is ‘Adaptation’ Under Copyright Law?
Adaptation refers to the creation of a new work based on an existing copyrighted work by modifying, transforming, or recasting it into a different form.
Key Points:
An adaptation takes the original work and changes it in some way, such as:
Translating a book from one language to another
Turning a novel into a screenplay or a play
Creating a derivative artwork based on an original painting
Remixing or sampling a music recording to create a new song
The adapted work is called a derivative work.
Legal Aspects:
Copyright protection extends to adaptations, but:
You must have permission (a license) from the original copyright owner to legally create or distribute adaptations unless the original work is in the public domain or the use qualifies under exceptions like fair use.
The creator of the adaptation owns copyright in the new elements they add, but the underlying original work remains protected.
Adaptation rights are part of the exclusive rights of the copyright holder.
Examples:
| Original Work | Adaptation Example |
|---|---|
| Novel | Movie screenplay |
| Song | Remix or cover version |
| Painting | Sculpture inspired by the painting |
| Textbook | Translation into another language |
Summary:
Adaptation under copyright law means creating a new work based on an existing copyrighted work by altering or transforming it. This new work is protected, but the original work’s copyright still applies, so permission is generally needed.
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