Originalverk

Originalverk is a term used in copyright discourse to refer to an original work of authorship. In Nordic contexts it denotes a work created by the author through independent intellectual effort and fixed in a tangible form, such as a novel, painting, musical composition, software, or film. Concepts, ideas, procedures, or facts are not original works by themselves; originality lies in the expression as realized by the author.

To qualify as an originalverk, the work generally must be independently created and exhibit a minimal degree of creativity. It must be fixed in a tangible medium of expression. The standard of originality varies by jurisdiction, but the core idea is that the creator's own intellectual contribution is recognizable in the result. The term covers a wide range of domains, including literature, music, visual arts, film, software, and architecture.

Originalverk are typically protected by copyright, granting the author exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, perform, display, or adapt the work. These rights can be licensed or transferred. The duration of protection varies by country, but commonly lasts for the life of the author plus 50–70 years; some jurisdictions use different terms for different types of works. After protection expires, the work may enter the public domain. Infringement occurs when others use the originalverk without authorization or beyond permitted exceptions such as fair use or fair dealing.