A “compilation” is a work formed by the collection and assembling of preexisting materials or of data that are selected, coordinated, or arranged in such a way that the resulting work as a whole constitutes an original work of authorship. The term “compilation” includes collective works. Title 17 U.S.C. Section 101.
In Universal Furniture International, Inc. v. Collezione Europa USA, Inc., 618 F.3d 417 (4th Cir. 2010), the 4th Circuit upheld the validity of copyright in original compilations (groupings) of preexisting or noncopyrightable material (in this case, a furniture collection).