There are a few common questions about the Copyright Act: what is copyright? What is the procedure for dealing with it? What can and cannot be protected under copyright? After copyright, what rights do you get? This article provides comprehensive answers to these and other related questions.
Copyright Basics: Overview
Taking a cue from the English Copyright Act of 1911, the first-ever Copyright Act was enacted in the year 1914. Once the country achieved independence, the Copyright Act, 1957 was enacted and has seen amendments being made to it six times, the last being in 2012. Let us know about the copyright basics in this blog!
What Is a Copyright?
Defined as the property right of an original work owned by an individual, copyright is fixed in a physical medium of expression, thus enabling the holder to exclusively reproduce, distribute, perform, and display the Copyright Literary Work India.
The said work may include anything under literature, music, art, photography, cinema/film or even a computer programme, etc. Unlike a trademark, copyright just has a single symbol i.e. ©. The symbol can be placed on the original piece of work that has been created.
Who Can Register a Copyright?
The creator of the work and the person who has obtained rights to the original work can register for the copyright. It’ll be called ‘work made for hire if the said piece was created during the time of the employment. In such a case, the employee is not considered the author or creator of the work. That title goes to the employer.
If a work has been created by two people, then they get co-ownership of the copyright unless the people concerned want it otherwise
There is no age bar on obtaining copyright. A minor can register one too according to copyright basics.
If we had to narrow it down to three basic sets of people who can apply for a copyright, they would be:
- The creator of the work
- Any person claiming to have obtained the ownership rights from the creator of the original work
- An agent who has been authorized to act on behalf of the aforementioned people.
What Does a Copyright Protect?
Copyright Protection India – It is a form of intellectual property law, which protects original works under literature, music, art, photography, cinema/film or even a computer programme. Most of the copyright literary work are available in tangible form, including lyrics to a song, tunes, pictures, graphics, sculpture, pieces of architecture, sound recording copyright, drama, choreographed works, parodies, and signatures. All these must be viewed in more depth to get intricate details.
What Is Not Protected By a Copyright?
There are various categories of work that don’t fit the bill for copyright:
- Those pieces of work that cannot be fixed in a tangible expression, like unrecorded works, public performing rights of the improvisational kind, or any other speech/performance that has not been written or recorded
- Works including titles, names, short phrases, and slogans; symbols or designs that are familiar with others; basic typographic finery, lettering, use of colouring techniques, lists of ingredients or contents
- Ideas, systems, methods processes as distinguished from the said description, explanation or an illustration
- Finally, facts and figures that are generic property cannot be registered for copyright. These may include, standard calendars, charts of height/weight, information from public documents.
Basic Categories of Copyright in India
Copyright law in India encompasses a variety of creative forms, each falling under specific categories. Let’s explore these categories that define the scope of copyright protection:
Literary Works: This category covers a wide range of written creations, including novels, poems, articles, and even computer programs. The written word finds its sanctuary here, safeguarding the unique expressions of authors.
Dramatic Works: For playwrights and scriptwriters, this category is crucial. It includes plays, screenplays, and any form of written work meant for performance.
Musical Works: Composers and musicians find their domain within this category. Musical compositions, whether with lyrics or purely instrumental, are protected under this copyright classification.
Artistic Works: Visual artists, illustrators, and graphic designers find their creations sheltered here. Artistic works encompass paintings, drawings, photographs, and even architectural designs.
Cinematograph Films: Filmmakers and directors, rejoice! Cinematograph films, encompassing both motion pictures and animations, fall within this category, safeguarding the creative efforts behind visual storytelling.
Sound Recordings: Musicians and audio producers find their creations secured in this category. Whether it’s a catchy tune, a soulful melody, or an audio narration, sound recordings are protected under copyright law.
Similar to how copyright shields your creative work, Vakilsearch’s services can shield your legal interests. Whether it’s literary works, artistic creations, musical compositions, or cinematographic films, our team is here to simplify the legal journey for you.
What Are the Rights of the Copyright Owner?
The copyright gives complete and exclusive rights to the owner of the work:
- The owner can choose to reproduce the work and/or authorize someone else to do it
- Any derivative work that comes from the original work is carried out by the owner of the copyright or the authorized person
- The owner can also distribute copies of his/her work to the public in any form i.e. sale or transfer of ownership, rent the work, lease the work, etc
- Any copyrighted work can be performed and displayed readily in public. And the rights hold across all platforms, be it literature, music, drama, choreography, cinema, films, audio-visual works.
How Does One Register for a Copyright?
There are various steps involved in copyright registration in India, let us discuss each step in detail:
Check Here to More about: https://copyright.gov.in/
Step 1: Filing the Application
Along with the requisite fee, an application needs to be submitted either in DD/IPO. Once this application is filed, a diary number is generated and issued to the applicant.
Step 2: Examination
There is a minimum wait of 30 days for recording and analyZing any objections that may come up against the copyright application
- 2.1 In case of No Objection:
The application goes ahead for scrutinization by an examiner. This scrutiny gives rise to two options:
- 2.1.1 In case of any discrepancy found during scrutiny:
A letter of discrepancy is sent to the applicant. The letter is generated and sent to the applicant.
Based on the reply from the applicant, the registrar conducts a hearing of the alleged discrepancy row
Once the discrepancies are sorted during the hearing, the extracts of the same are sent to the applicant for him/her to register the copyright
- 2.1.2 In case of zero discrepancies:
This would mean that the copyright application fulfils all criteria required for the copyright. The applicant is then given the nod to go ahead with the registration of the same.
(If the registration is not approved, then the applicant received a letter of rejection)
- 2.2 In case of an objection filed:
While we listed above the scenarios of ‘no objections’, in case one is faced with an objection, the following procedures take place:
Authorities send out letters to the two concerned parties, trying to convince them to take back the objection
After requisite replies from the third party, the registrar conducts a hearing
Depending on whether the registrar accepts the reply, the procedure takes shape
- 2.2.1 If the application is accepted:
The application being accepted means that the objection has been rejected. The application goes ahead for scrutinization by an examiner. This scrutiny gives rise to two options:
- 2.2.1.1 In case of the discrepancy found during scrutiny:
A letter of discrepancy is sent to the application letter is generated and sent to the applicant.
Based on the reply from the applicant, the registrar conducts a hearing of the alleged discrepancy row
Once the discrepancies are sorted during the hearing, the extracts of the same are sent to the applicant for him/her to register the copyright
- 2.2.1.2 In case of zero discrepancies:
This would mean that the copyright application fulfils all criteria required for the copyright objection. The applicant is then given the nod to go ahead with the registration of the same.
(If the registration is not approved, then the applicant received a letter of rejection)
- 2.2.2: If the application is rejected:
In case this happens, then the applicant receives a rejection letter that marks the end of the copyright procedure
Step 3: Registration
As can be seen from the aforementioned steps, the registration solely depends on the registrar. Once everything is cleared from the registrar’s end, the applicant received the copyright and can legally exercise all rights that come with the owner of that copyright.
A copyright is a protection granted for a fixed, physical medium of expression to the creator of the work (or the person who has obtained rights to it). While the process of applying for it can belong, the powers it grants are exclusive. No one else can reproduce, distribute, perform, and display the work!
Hope this blog regarding Copyright Basics was helpful! If you any doubts regarding Copyright Basics you contact us.
FAQs On Copyright Basics
To be eligible for copyright protection, a work must fulfil three criteria: it must be original, it should have been fixed in a tangible medium (like writing, recording, or drawing), and it must not have been published before.
Copyright is intangible. It doesn't protect the physical object itself but rather the expression of ideas or information in a tangible form.
Yes, copyright is considered an asset. It holds value, can be transferred, licensed, or assigned, and can contribute significantly to an individual's or organization's intellectual property portfolio. What Are the Three Requirements for a Copyright?
Is Copyright Tangible or Intangible?
Is Copyright an Asset or Not?
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