A useful article is Designs for useful articles, such as vehicular bodies, wearing apparel, household appliances, and the like are not protected by copyright. However, The Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has explained that "[t]his limitation is in keeping with the notion that functional items are not eligible for the relatively long-term protections of copyright, as opposed to the more temporary rights provided by the Patent Act." Because industrial designs are commonly integrated into a "useful article" — such as automobiles, handheld electronic devices, or clothing — they are often not eligible for copyright.
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