[OSM-talk] How is there not any creative-type (US) copyright in OSM data?

[Anthony]

On Sun, Dec 13, 2009 at 11:15 AM, OJ W <ojwlists at googlemail.com> wrote:

> The location, size, shape of each building is a fact.  No inaccuracy
> was intended. So does this image have copyright protection?
> http://www.limitemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/steph02.jpg
>

I don't think you can say "no inaccuracy was intended".

However, I'm now convinced that there probably is at least some copyright
protection in the OSM database, even here in Florida (and any other state
which is part of the US).

I'd say it's a very "thin copyright", though.  If I used that drawing to
make a list of buildings ordered by height, I highly doubt the image would
be a derivative work of the original.  Just like if I use the OSM database
to determine a route, or to determine which streets are missing from my own
map, or to determine the locations of all the fire stations in Tampa.
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