What defines a compilation in copyright terms?

The definition of a compilation in copyright terms refers to a collection of preexisting materials that are arranged in a specific way to form a new original work. This means that the compilation itself adds a layer of creativity or originality through the selection, coordination, or arrangement of the underlying materials, which can consist of various types of works such as texts, images, or data.

The emphasis is on the arrangement and the creative choices made in how to present the existing works together. This original compilation can be protected by copyright law, even if the individual components do not meet the threshold for originality on their own. A compilation is distinguished from merely combining works without any originality or unique arrangement.

In contrast, the other options either misinterpret the nature of a compilation or provide a broader categorization that does not address the specific legal definition in copyright terms. The notion of a new, original product that includes content from existing works, for instance, could apply to derivative works but doesn't capture the essence of what makes a compilation unique.