400-21
450
Choreographic works. (cont'd)
450.08
Derivative choreographic works. (cont'd)
450.08(a)
Other derivative works based on choreography. Nonchoreographic additions may be made to a choreographic work, for example, where a nonchoreographic comedy routine is interspersed between choreographic scenes. In this case, the claim should be made on the new nonchoreographic material. As a practical matter, however, the added material may dictate changes in the choreography as well, especially when new music or new dramatic scenes are added.
450.09
Status of improvisation. Registration can not be made for improvisation to be provided by the dancer unless such improvisation is fixed.
[Numbers 451 through 459 are reserved.]
460
Pantomimes. Pantomimes are distinct from choreographic works, and thus their registrability does not depend on choreographic criteria.
460.01
Definition. Pantomime is the art of imitating or acting out situations, characters, or some other events with gestures and body movement. Mime is included under this category. Pantomimes need not tell a story or be presented before an audience to be protected by copyright.
461
Pantomime content. To be registrable, pantomimes must include more than a few stock gestures. As there is no copyright protection for ideas in general, a style of movement imitating mechanical dolls, for example, would not be protectible. A significant amount of copyrightable matter in the form of specific gestures in
[1984]
