What defines "originality" in terms of copyright?

Originality in terms of copyright pertains to the creativity involved in the creation of a work. This concept emphasizes that for a work to be protected under copyright law, it must demonstrate some degree of creativity. This does not mean that the work must be entirely novel or unprecedented; rather, it must embody an original expression of ideas, reflecting the creator's individual thought and creativity. Thus, originality is rooted in the creative aspects of the work, distinguishing it from mere facts or ideas that cannot be copyrighted.

In this context, factors like the uniqueness of a title, length, or popularity do not determine copyright eligibility. While a unique title might suggest distinctiveness, it is not the creative expression itself that copyright law seeks to protect. Similarly, the length of a work does not influence its originality; even a short piece of work can be considered original if it reflects significant creativity. Lastly, popularity is irrelevant to originality; a work can be widely recognized yet still fail to meet the originality standard required for copyright protection.