The term most likely refers to Applied DNA Sciences , a company known for using DNA-based molecular tags to authenticate supply chains and prevent counterfeiting of "useful articles" such as textiles and electronics. What is a "Useful Article"?
According to 17 U.S.C. § 101 , a is an item with an "intrinsic utilitarian function" that goes beyond merely looking nice or providing information. Common examples include: Clothing: Protecting the warmth or shape of a body. Furniture: Providing a place to sit or eat.
The "useful article" doctrine is a key legal concept in copyright law that determines when artistic elements of a functional object—like a chair, a dress, or a lamp—can be protected. apdn__1249zip
The artistic feature must be able to be perceived as a two- or three-dimensional work of art separate from the useful article.
The Supreme Court established a two-part test in the case Star Athletica, L.L.C. v. Varsity Brands, Inc. : The term most likely refers to Applied DNA
Performing a specific task like boiling water or lighting a room. The Doctrine & Copyrightability
For instance, a floral design engraved on a silver spoon can be copyrighted as an artistic work, but the shape and function of the spoon itself cannot be copyrighted. Why APDN Matters for Useful Articles § 101 , a is an item with
Under the Useful Article Doctrine , copyright does protect the functional design of the object itself (which is usually the domain of patent law). Instead, it only protects artistic features that can be separated from the object's function.