What is copyright?
The exclusive and assignable legal right, given to the originator or author by government for a fixed number of years, to print, publish, perform, film, or record literary, artistic, or musical material.
In simple terms Copyright is a bunch of rights entrusted for creative works such as text, artistic works, music, computer programs, sound recordings and films also termed as “work”.
Copyright registration does not protect ideas, concepts, styles or techniques. For example, copyright will not protect an idea for a story or play, but it will protect a script for the same. A registered Copyright prevails throughout India.
The Golden Rule
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In confusion always remember the golden rule
“Copyright doesn’t protect ideas but it protects Expression”
What does it mean by idea or expression?
In day to day life an we may overlap the concept of Idea over expression and vice-versa. But in legal world it can change the fate of your product and company forever. Let us understand this with a simple example :
A girl met a Boy is not copyrightable as it’s an idea, just plain common idea.
A beautiful Girl Angelina met an intelligent boy Brad.—— 1st Expression of above mentioned idea. (Copyrightable)
A beautiful princess Elizabeth met an intelligent and handsome boy George, on a sunny morning near the bank of river Thames. …….2nd Expression of same idea. (Copyrightable)
So you see that different variations and depiction of the same concept are each in its own forms a subject matter of copyright.
Once your work falls in the category of a new work, new expression it is indeed copyrightable.
What are the requirements for copyright registration in India?
1) New novel work.
2) May be published or un published
3) Originates from Author’s mind or author’s creation.
What I need to do for filing a copyright in India?
You need to Fill Form –XIV
You need to send across 3 signed copy of your work at Copyright registration office in India
Within 30 days of online form filing and receipt generation.
What are the benefits of getting a copyright in India?
1) Copyright Registration is prima facie evidence in case of Infringement proceeding.
2) It helps securing moral rights, due credits and good royalty to the author.
For more information on this topic and to understand the complete process with a flowchart you can visit this page – Copyright registration in India.
