Johdannaiskäsikirjoituksia

Johdannaiskäsikirjoituksia, often translated as "derivative manuscripts" or "derivative works," refers to literary or artistic creations that are based on or adapt existing copyrighted material. The creation of such works is governed by copyright law, which grants the original author exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and create derivative works from their original piece. In many jurisdictions, the creation of a derivative work requires permission from the copyright holder of the original work.

Examples of derivative works include translations, musical arrangements, dramatizations, fictionalizations, motion picture adaptations, sound recordings, art reproductions, abridgments, and condensations. The purpose is to build upon or transform an existing work into something new. This concept is central to intellectual property law and aims to balance the rights of creators with the public interest in the creation and dissemination of new works.

The line between a derivative work and an infringing work can sometimes be blurry. If a new work is deemed too similar to the original without authorization, it may be considered copyright infringement. However, transformative use, where a new work adds significant new expression or meaning to the original, can sometimes be a defense against infringement claims, although this is a complex legal doctrine. The concept of derivative works is crucial for understanding how creative industries evolve and build upon existing cultural heritage.