网络即时通讯中表情包的版权保护问题研究

A Study on Copyright Protection of Emotion Pictures in Internet Instant Messaging

表情包由于具有较强的趣味性和表现力,因而被广泛应用于网络即时通讯活动之中。依据其创作素材来源,可对表情包作如下区分:一是纯动漫原创系列表情包;二是视频截图、照片系列表情包;三是以真人照片、视频截图或原创动漫为基础进行再加工形成的表情包。作为一种展现思想、表达情感的工具,表情包的创作过程体现出了创作者独特的构思和创造力,具有一定程度的独创性,因此可以构成著作权法意义上的作品,并受著作权法保护。但因表情包是在他人作品之上所形成的新的智力成果,因此表情包权利人在行使权利时应注意尊重和维护在先权利人的合法权益。

Because of the attractiveness and expressiveness,the emotion pictures are widely used in internet instant messaging. According to the source of creative material,the emotion pictures can be divided into three categories: original cartoon emotion pictures; screen shot or photo emotion pictures; and emotion pictures recreated on the basis of human photos,screen shots and original cartoon. Being a tool of expressing thought and emotion,the process of creating emotion pictures reflects the unique ideas and creativity of creator,so emotion pictures can become the copyright works and protected by The Copyright Law. Due to the basis of the new intellectual property—"emotion pictures",the creator should respect the legal right of prior rights holders.