SEARS–COMPCO DOCTRINE
Sears–Compco doctrine.The principle that Congress, by passing copyright, trademark, and
patent laws, has preempted some state-law protection of information that is not protected by those
statutes. Sears, Roebuck & Co. v. Stiffel Co., 376 U.S. 225, 84 S.Ct. 784 (1964); Compco Corp. v.
Day-Brite Lighting, Inc., 376 U.S. 234, 84 S.Ct. 779 (1964). • The doctrine reflects a
congressional policy decision that public access to information outweighs private economic
incentives to collect and disseminate it. It limits how far states may protect against
misappropriation. [Cases: Copyrights and Intellectual Property 109. C.J.S. Copyrights and
Intellectual Property §§ 104, 108.] sea lane.Int’l & maritime law. A designated course or regularly used route for ships, esp. in
restricted waters such as harbors and straits. • Although sea lanes have obvious safety advantages,
they were long resisted by sea captains, who saw them as a threat to their freedom to navigate. [Blacks Law 8th]