What is a “derivative work”?

A derivative work is a work that is based on or incorporates elements from another work. A sequel, a translation, a second edition of a book, a screenplay adaptation of a novel, an arrangement of a song, a video game based on a movie, an illustrated version of a literary work, a drawing of a photograph, a sound recording of a musical composition, and fan fiction are examples of derivative works. This is not an exhaustive list.