1. What is Copyright ?
Copyright is a type of intellectual property right which seeks to protect original artistic, creative and literary works. These creations require tremendous intellectual efforts, and therefore the creators are rewarded with exclusive right to exploit their work commercially. The creator can seek copyright on books, music, paintings, sculptures, films and even on technology-based works such as computer programs and electronic databases.
But it has to be remembered that an idea in itself cannot be copyrighted. It is the expression of that idea that can be copyrighted. Example – You may have a great plot for a love story in your mind. But you cannot claim copyright over that love story unless you reduce the plot to a written manuscript or a cinematographic film. Similarly, you may have a very good idea of developing a unique mobile application. But unless you write down the code for such a program, you cannot enjoy copyright protection on such program.
2. What are the kinds of work in which copyright can be owned?
3. What are the benefits of having copyright?Copyright includes a bundle of rights. It can be classified into two major categories of rights :
Economic Rights
Economic Rights gives the creator to exploit their work for financial rewards commercially. Copyright law provides the following ways in which the creators may benefit financially from their work :
Moral Rights
The moral rights give the creator to take actions with regards to preserving the integrity of their work. Moral rights remain with the creator, even after he/she has transferred all economic rights. The moral rights include :
4. Why should we register a copyrighted work?
Though registration of copyright is optional, it is nevertheless highly recommended. This is because, in case of infringement or counterfeit selling of the work, a creator has to establish that he had created the work before the other person in the court.
Registration of copyright provides a prima facie evidence that the copyright existed with the creator on the date of creation. The court relies heavily on such registration and it becomes easy for the creator to claim damages from the opponent for violation of his/her rights.