Digital Art Says: Protect Our “Groove” Too

Abstract

Digital technology has become one of the most common methods artists use to create art. This advancement in technology causes many copyright difficulties, especially related to artists’ styles. Standardized and common features of digital software have made it far too easy for people to duplicate other people’s work, and more significantly, an artist’s unique style. Current copyright laws are insufficient to address these issues, and there is almost no legal precedent related to protecting an artist’s “art style.” In a groundbreaking case, Williams v. Gaye, the court implemented a two-part test to imply protection for musical styles, the “groove.” This article discusses the importance of protecting artists’ unique styles in the digital age and argues that digital art is entitled to the same protection the courts afforded music in Williams.