Copyright law, designs law, and the protection of public art and works on public display

Abstract

Artworks, designs and architectural forms situated in public places implicate a number of interests. There is a public interest, which arises simply by virtue of situating a work in a public place. More broadly, there is a public interest that arises from the public investment in the work – investment both in terms of money and investment in terms of meaning as people identify with and relate to a particular work. Public works can become important to individuals as landmarks, icons, or locations for significant public or personal events.