Copyright is a right given by the Copyright Act, 1957 to literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works and producers of cinematographic films and sound recordings. It gives the creator the right to reproduction of the work, communication to the public, adaptation, and translation of the work. Copyright is the legal protection given to the creator of the original work. The creator may authorize or prohibit certain acts in relation to his original work.
Copyright subsists in the following class of works –
- Original literary, musical, dramatic and artistic work.
- Cinematographic films.
- Sound recordings.
Computer programs are considered as literary works and are protected under the Copyright Act. Please note there is no copyright in an idea.
Registration is voluntary. The moment you create your original work, copyright exists. However, registration has evidentiary value in a court of law with reference to dispute relating to ownership of copyright.
Duration granted for works of copyright
| Literary or musical works or artistic works other than a photograph. |
Life of the author and 60 years from the end of the year in which the author dies. If the work has not been published, performed, or offered for sale or broadcast during the life of the author, the copyright protection shall continue for a period of 60 years form the end of the year in which any of these acts are done relating to the work. |
| Cinematograph films, photographs, and computer programs | the Cinematograph films, photographs, and computer programs are protected for 60 years from the end of the year in which the work is made available to the public with the consent of the owner of the copyright or published, or, failing such an event, for 60 years from the end of the year in which the work is made. Sound recordings are protected for 60 years from the end of the year in which the recording is first published. |
| Anonymous or pseudonymous works | 60 years from the end of the year in which the work is made available to the public with the consent of the owner of the copyright or from the end of the year in which it is reasonable to presume that the author died, whichever term is shorter. |
Do you have any queries?
Contact us on customer.care@mindsync.co.in
This information is in summary form and is therefore intended for general guidance only. It is not intended to be a substitute for detailed research or the exercise of professional judgment. Mind Sync does not accept any responsibility for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any information provided herein. On any specific matter, reference should be made to the appropriate advisor.