论文学作品情节的著作权保护

情节是文学作品的重要组成要素,也是非字面侵权的主要“受害者”,对其进行著作权保护的依据既有以复制权和演绎权为中心展开的理论基础,也有中外各国司法判例的支持。情节要切实受到著作权法保护应考虑其是否具有独创性,主要是最低限度的创新性。不同类型情节的独创性要求程度不同,在通过实质性相似认定判断是否侵权时,认定的主体标准也会随之不同:事实情节的独创性要求程度较高,应按照敏感性读者标准进行实质性相似认定;虚构情节的独创性要求程度较低,则由一般性读者标准进行认定。同时,相较于部分比较法的“切割”,整体比较法能够在保证情节完整性的前提下进行实质性认定。依此标准和方法,可以确定文学作品情节的保护范围和程度,使其获得应有的著作权保护。

On copyright protection of plot of literary works

The plot is an important element of literary works, and also the main “victim” of nonliteral infringement. The basis of its copyright protection not only has the theoretical basis expanded from the right of reproduction and the right of deduction, but also has the support of judicial precedents of China and foreign countries. If a plot is to be protected by copyright law, the originality of it must be considered, mainly the minimum degree of creativity. Different types of plot have different requirements of originality, so the standards of identifying subjects will also be different when determining whether there is infringement by substantial similarity determination. A higher degree of originality is required by factual plot, and sensible audience standard should be applied to fulfill substantial similarity determination. A lower degree of originality is required by fictitious plot, and ordinary audience standard can be used. Meanwhile, substantial similarity determination could be identified well with total concept test which ensures the integrity of plot instead of “cutting” plot in abstractions test. Based on the standards and methods, the scope and extent of protecting the plot of literary works can be determined so as to ensure its acquisition of due copyright protection.