Visual Arts Definition

Works of the visual arts include a wide variety of pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works, as well as architectural works. Examples of visual arts works include paintings, sculptures, photographs, and other types of works.

Statutory Definitions

Pictorial, Graphic and Sculptural Works

The Copyright Act states that “pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works include two-dimensional and three-dimensional works of fine, graphic, and applied art, photographs, prints and art reproductions, maps, globes, charts, diagrams, models, and technical drawings, including architectural plans.” (17 U.S.C. § 101)

Architectural Works

The Copyright Act defines “Architectural Works” as “the design of a building as embodied in any tangible medium of expression, including a building, architectural plans, or drawings. The work includes the overall form as well as the arrangement and composition of spaces and elements in the design, but does not include individual standard features.” (17 U.S.C. § 101)

Common Type Of Works Registered In This Category

  • Advertisements (visual / photograpy)
  • Architectural Works
  • Artwork (2D, 3D)
  • Blueprints
  • Board Games (visual aspects)
  • Buildings
  • Carpeting
  • Cartography (maps / globes)
  • Cartoons, Comic Strips, Comic Books
  • Catalogs (visual aspects)
  • Craft Kits
  • Drawings
  • Fabric Designs
  • Flooring Designs
  • Geologic Charts
  • Graphic Designs
  • Greeting Cards
  • Illustrations
  • Jewelry Designs
  • Labels (visual aspects)
  • Logos
  • Maps
  • Masks
  • Models
  • Paintings
  • Photographs (GRUPH/GRPPH)
  • PostersPrints / Reproductions
  • Product Packaging
  • Puppets
  • Scientific
  • Drawings
  • Sculptures
  • Stationery
  • Stencils
  • Technical Drawings
  • Textile Designs
  • Toys
  • Vessel Hulls
  • Wallpaper
  • Websites
  • Wrapping Paper


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