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Simple English definitions for legal terms
blank-forms rule
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A quick definition of blank-forms rule:
The blank-forms rule is a principle that says forms cannot be protected by copyright if they are only meant for recording information and do not convey any information themselves. This rule was established by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1879 and is now a regulation of the U.S. Copyright Office. Another related principle is the merger doctrine.
A more thorough explanation:
The blank-forms rule is a principle in copyright law that states that forms designed for recording information are not protected by copyright if they do not convey any information themselves.
For example, a blank tax form or a blank job application form cannot be protected by copyright because they are designed to record information and do not convey any information themselves. However, if a form includes creative elements or original content, such as a unique design or instructions, it may be eligible for copyright protection.
The blank-forms rule was established by the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Baker v. Selden in 1879 and is now a regulation of the U.S. Copyright Office.