What type of works can be deemed as derivative?

The concept of derivative works is specifically related to the adaptations and transformations of existing copyrighted material. This includes any work that takes an original piece of work and alters it in some manner, such as adaptations that modify the original text or translations that convey the same ideas in a different language.

Derivative works can encompass a variety of forms, including but not limited to adaptations of books into films, remixes of songs, and the creation of sequels or prequels based on original stories. The key aspect is that these works are inherently based on previously established content, thus distinguishing them from original works that are developed independently without such foundation.

This concept is grounded in copyright law, which is designed to protect the rights of original creators while allowing for certain types of reinterpretation and evolution of existing works. This is why the identification of adaptations, translations, or any modifications to existing works as derivative is accurate and highlights the nature of these creative processes.