What is a copyright?
Copyright is an exclusive right given to the creator or the owner of a literary or artistic work. Copyright allows the owner to gain economic and cultural benefit from the work. This also encourages future creativity and development and checks infringement.
What all are covered under copyright?
Copyright covers all forms of literary, artistic and dramatic works. Literary works include novels, poems, plays, reference works, newspapers, computer programs, databases, films, musical compositions, etc. whereas artistic work includes paintings, drawings, photographs, choreography, sculpture, architecture, advertisements, maps, technical drawings, etc.
Can I copyright my website?
Yes, you can get copyright protection on your website. Protection will include the text contents, images, the design/outlay of the website and other forms of copyright.
Is it mandatory to get a copyright registration?
Copyright registration will help you to enforce your rights. In a successful litigation, you may be eligible for statutory damages and attorney’s fees. If registration is done within 5 years of the publication that would be considered as a prima facie evidence in the court of law.
Do I get the copyright on name, slogans, titles or logos?
Copyright registration is given to the artistic and literary work. The registration would depend on the nature of the work. On the other hand, copyright protection is not conferred upon names.
Can I copyright my idea, concept or methods?
No, copyright protection is not available to ideas, concepts or methods. Once these ideas are expressed only then you can get copyright protection on the expression.
What is the time period required to get the work registered?
Once you submit all the required documents, it may take minimum of 3 months to 4 months for grant of the registration certificate, provided you do not get any objection from the registry.
Do registration protect my work globally?
The copyright registration of your work shall be protected in all Berne Convention countries i.e., the countries who are signatories to Berne Convention. There are approx. 172 countries out of 190 countries in the world.