According to the Copyright Act of 1976, copyright protection cannot be obtained for the following works.

• Words and short phrases, such as names, titles, and slogans,
• Familiar designs or symbols,
• Mere variations of lettering, coloring, or any typographic ornamentation,
• Mere listing of ingredients or contents,
• Ideas, plans, methods, systems, or devices, as distinguished from the particular manner in which they are expressed or described in a writing,
• Blank forms,
• Works consisting completely of information that is common property containing no original authorship.  This includes works such as standard calendars, height and weight charts, tape measures and rulers, schedules of sporting events, and lists or tables taken from public documents or other common sources.