Pitch Dictionary by pitch.dog
Copyright, authorship & moral rights · Core

Idea–expression distinction

ELI5

The legal distinction between an unprotected abstract idea and the particular protected expression of that idea.

Used in conversation

“We need to clarify idea–expression distinction before the deal is signed.”

Pitch context

You may encounter “Idea–expression distinction” in rights, contracts, finance, distribution & labour conversations or materials.

Why it matters: Explains who controls, pays for, approves, exploits or bears risk around a project.

Caution

Meaning and consequences may change by contract, collective agreement, territory or law. This entry is orientation, not legal advice.

Connected terms

  • CopyrightComputed from definition language and shared taxonomy. This indicates proximity, not synonymy.
Sources & evidence · 8

Supporting source families. This entry is an editorial synthesis rather than a quotation from one canonical glossary.