Got a great idea? That's just the start! This episode pulls back the curtain on the actual ingredients your creation needs to earn copyright protection in the U.S. We're talking about the crucial trifecta: originality, fixation, and being a "work of authorship." Remember the Feist case? We'll explain why simply putting in effort isn't enough, and why that "modicum of creativity" is your golden ticket. What does it really mean for your work to be "fixed" in a tangible form? And how do courts decide if something fits into one of those special "works of authorship" categories? Join us as we unravel these mysteries through real-world examples, from the surprisingly complex copyright of warning labels to the protection of architectural blueprints and even a catchy lyrical phrase. Discover how the law encourages creativity while keeping essential building blocks free for everyone.