SYSTEMIC ARCHITECTURE:Defines the perimeter of copyrightable space, ensuring abstract principles, mathematical formulations, and functional mechanics remain in the public domain.
§ 102(a)Fixation & Originality
“Original works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression, now known or later developed.”
Judicial Interpretation: Requires a human creator (Thaler v. Perlmutter) and a creative spark above sweat-of-the-brow compilation (Feist).
§ 102(b)The Statutory Idea/Expression Firewall
“Excludes ideas, procedures, systems, methods of operation, concepts, and principles.”
Judicial Interpretation: The critical boundary ensuring patent law retains jurisdiction over functional mechanisms and computing methods (Baker v. Selden; Lotus v. Borland).
Real-World Impact & Dignity Ledger
Empirical Jurisprudence
Evaluated against the 3D Dignity Index (Formal Protection Δ, Material Access, Risk Redistribution). Tracks empirical implementation data and frontline community impact for this statutory regime.
