You can't copyright a urinal. But you could probably…
“You can't copyright a urinal. But you could probably copyright a sculpture of a urinal. And like Duchamp's famous work, code is both, at the same time.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Legal protection can apply to artistic representations of functional objects, blurring lines between utility and art.
In simple terms: You can copyright a sculpture of a urinal, not the urinal itself.
Key Takeaway
Consider how form and function affect IP rights.
Themes
intellectual property
art
law
creativity
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
legal
philosophical
When to use this quote
- product design
- museum curation
- software licensing
- branding
Key Concepts
copyright
artistic expression
functional objects
Questions to Reflect On
- How does transformation affect protectability?
- When does functional design become art?
A Different Perspective
Copyright may be challenged if the work lacks originality.