Module 4
Module 4
RIGHTS
Course Code: 21RMI56
References: https://blog.ipleaders.in/an-overview-of-the-copyright-
act-1957/#Original_Artistic_Work, Chatgpt.
Module-4
Law of Copyright and Designs, Understanding Copyright Law - Historical
Overview – Justification For Copyright Law - The Natural Law Justification - The
Economic Rationale of Copyright Clause, Basic Concepts Underlying copyright Law -
Idea – Expression Dichotomy Originality / Creativity – Fixation.
Term of Protection, Subject - Matter of Copyright - Literary Works - Dramatic
Works - Musical Work - Artistic Works - Cinematograph Films and Sound recordings,
Acquisition of Copyright in India, Rights of the Copyright Owner - Economic
Rights - Moral Right or Droid Moral Right of Authorship or Paternity Rights - Rights
against Distortion or Mutilation of the Original Works or Integrity Rights - Limitations
- Limitations set under International Regime – Berne Convention - Rome Convention
– Trips Agreement - Three Step Test, Infringement of Copyright -Transfer of copyright
- License and Assignment - License and consent -Duration of a License Form and
Content - Disputes in Respect of Licence -Types of Licenses - Exclusive and Non-
Exclusive Licenses.
Historical Overview
Copyright is a type of intellectual property right. Authors who have original works such
as works of literature (including computer programs, tables, collections, computer
datasets, expressed in words, codes, schemes, or in any other context, along with a
device readable medium), dramatic, musical, and artistic works, cinematographic
films, and audio recordings are all awarded copyright safeguards under Indian law.
Instead of protecting the ideas themselves, Copyright Law safeguards manifestations
of ideas. Literary works, theatrical works, musical works, creative works,
cinematographic films, and sound recordings all have copyright protection under
Section 13 of the Copyright Act of 1957. For instance, the Act protects literary works
such as books and computer programs.
The term “copyright” refers to a collection of exclusive rights that Section 14 of the Act
grants to the owner of the copyright. Only the copyright owner or another person who
has permission to do so from the copyright owner may exercise these rights. These
rights include the ability to adapt, reproduce, publish, translate, and communicate
with the public, among other things. Copyright registration just establishes an entry
for the work in the Copyright Register kept by the Registrar of Copyrights and does not
grant any rights.
In India, the earliest law of copyright was enacted by the British during the realm of
East India Company that is the Indian Copyright Act, 1847 which was passed for the
enforcement of rules of English copyright in India. After it, by Copyright Act 1911, this
law was repealed, replaced and applied to all British colonies including India. Further,
it was again modified in 1914 by the Indian Copyright Act, 1914, which remained
applicable in India until replaced by the Copyright Act, 1957 by the parliament of
sovereign India. The Copyright Act of 1957 was India’s first copyright law following
independence, and six amendments have been made since then. The Copyright
(Amendment) Act 2012, which was passed in 2012, was the most recent amendment.
The concept of copyright in India is governed by the Indian Copyright Act, 1957, as
modified from time to time, and the Indian Copyright Rules, 1958 (Rules).
Subject-Matter of Copyright:
Subject-matter of copyright" refers to the types of creative works that are eligible for
copyright protection. In the context of literary works, which are a key category of
copyrightable content, the subject-matter includes various forms of written and
textual expressions.
Literary Works: Literary works are creative expressions conveyed through written
or printed words. This category encompasses a wide range of textual content and
written materials, including:
1. Books and Novels: Novels, short stories, novellas, and other fictional and
non-fictional prose narratives.
2. Poetry: Poems and verses that explore themes and emotions through
structured and artistic use of language.
3. Essays and Articles: Non-fictional prose works that discuss, analyze, or
present viewpoints on various subjects.
4. Scripts: Scripts for plays, movies, television shows, radio programs, and other
forms of scripted performances.
5. Reports and Research Papers: Academic papers, research articles, reports,
and scholarly works.
6. Instructional and Educational Texts: Textbooks, manuals, instructional
guides, and educational materials.
7. Letters and Correspondence: Personal and professional letters, emails,
and other forms of written communication.
8. Computer Programs: Literary works also include computer programs and
software codes as they are considered expressions of ideas in a textual format.
9. Compilation Works: Collections of literary works, such as anthologies,
encyclopedias, dictionaries, and databases.
10. Speeches and Lectures: Transcripts of speeches, lectures, and public
addresses.
11. Websites and Online Content: Online articles, blog posts, web content, and
other digital textual works.
It's important to note that copyright protection extends to the specific expression of
ideas, not the underlying ideas themselves. For example, the plot of a novel is not
protected by copyright, but the actual text of the novel is protected.
In order to be eligible for copyright protection, literary works need to meet the criteria
of originality (they must be the result of the author's independent creative effort) and
fixation (they must be fixed in a tangible medium of expression, such as writing or
typing).
Dramatic Works:
"Dramatic works" are another important category of creative content that is eligible
for copyright protection. These works are specifically created for performance and are
intended to be acted out in a dramatic or theatrical manner. Here's a closer look at
what constitutes dramatic works:
Dramatic works are creative expressions that are meant to be performed on stage,
screen, or other platforms. They encompass a wide range of scripted performances and
theatrical content, including:
1. Plays: Written scripts for theatrical performances that involve dialogues,
characters, settings, and actions intended to be acted out by performers.
2. Screenplays: Scripts written for movies, television shows, and other visual
media. Screenplays outline the dialogue, scenes, and actions that actors follow
during filming.
3. Radio Plays: Scripts for audio dramas designed to be broadcast on the radio
or other audio platforms.
4. Musicals: Dramatic works that include spoken dialogue as well as music and
songs that are performed by characters.
5. Operas: A form of musical drama where the dialogue is sung rather than
spoken, often accompanied by orchestral music.
6. Theatrical Choreography: Scripts or descriptions for dance performances
or choreography that is an integral part of the dramatic work.
7. Pantomimes: Dramatic works that rely on physical gestures, movements, and
visual cues to convey a story, often without spoken dialogue.
8. Monologues and Solo Performances: Dramatic pieces performed by a
single actor that can involve monologues, soliloquies, or other forms of
individual performance.
9. Adaptations and Parodies: Scripts that adapt or transform existing works
or provide comedic or satirical interpretations.
10. Experimental and Avant-Garde Theater: Dramatic works that explore
innovative narrative structures, themes, and performances.
Similar to other copyrightable works, dramatic works must meet the criteria of
originality and fixation to be eligible for copyright protection. The expression of the
script and the way characters, dialogues, and actions are presented are protected,
while the underlying ideas or concepts are not.
Dramatic works are often collaborative efforts, involving playwrights, directors,
actors, designers, and other contributors. Copyright law ensures that the creators and
collaborators involved in the production of dramatic works are able to exercise their
rights and receive recognition for their contributions.
Musical Work
"Musical works" are a category of creative content that is eligible for copyright
protection. Musical works encompass compositions that are expressed in musical
notation, including melodies, harmonies, rhythms, and other musical elements. Here's
a closer look at what constitutes musical works:
Musical Works: Musical works are compositions that involve the arrangement and
organization of sounds, notes, and musical elements to create a coherent and
expressive piece of music. This category covers a wide range of musical compositions,
including:
1. Songs: Compositions that combine lyrics (vocal lines with words) with musical
elements such as melodies, harmonies, and rhythms.
2. Instrumental Pieces: Musical compositions that do not include lyrics and
are solely focused on instrumental performances.
3. Symphonies: Elaborate and complex compositions for orchestras, often
consisting of multiple movements.
4. Concertos: Works that showcase a solo instrument (such as a piano or violin)
accompanied by an orchestra.
5. Sonatas: Compositions typically consisting of multiple movements and often
performed by a single instrument or a small group of instruments.
6. Choral Works: Musical compositions for choirs, which can include choral
arrangements of songs, hymns, and other vocal music.
7. Operatic Arias: Standalone musical pieces within an opera that often
highlight a character's emotions or thoughts.
8. Dances and Ballets: Musical compositions created for dance performances,
such as waltzes, polkas, and ballet scores.
9. Film Scores: Musical compositions created to accompany and enhance the
emotional impact of movies and other visual media.
10. Electronic Music: Compositions that use electronic instruments,
synthesizers, and digital technology to create unique sonic experiences.
11. Popular and Contemporary Music: Music across genres such as pop, rock,
hip-hop, jazz, and more, including both vocal and instrumental compositions.
Copyright protection for musical works extends to the musical notation, arrangement,
and the specific expression of the composition. This includes the melody, harmony,
rhythm, and other musical elements that make up the work. While copyright protects
the specific arrangement of these elements, it does not protect general musical
concepts or ideas.
Like other copyrightable works, musical works must meet the criteria of originality
and fixation to be eligible for protection. In many cases, multiple individuals may
contribute to a musical work, such as composers, lyricists, arrangers, and performers.
Copyright law ensures that these contributors are recognized and can exercise their
rights.
Artistic Works
"Artistic works" are a category of creative content that encompass visual and aesthetic
expressions. These works involve the use of artistic skills and creativity to create visual
representations, designs, and forms that convey meaning, emotion, or ideas. Here's a
closer look at what constitutes artistic works:
This category includes a wide range of visual arts and crafts, including:
1. Paintings and Drawings: Visual representations created using paint, pencil,
charcoal, ink, or other drawing and painting mediums.
2. Sculptures: Three-dimensional works of art created by shaping and
manipulating materials such as clay, stone, metal, wood, and more.
3. Photography: Capturing images using cameras and various photographic
techniques to convey artistic, emotional, or narrative concepts.
4. Prints: Reproductions of images created through techniques such as
engraving, etching, lithography, and screen printing.
5. Digital Art: Art created using digital tools and software, including digital
paintings, illustrations, and graphic designs.
6. Textile Art: Creative works involving textiles, fabrics, and fibers, such as
tapestries, quilts, and textile sculptures.
7. Ceramics and Pottery: Objects created by shaping and firing clay to produce
functional or decorative pieces.
8. Collages: Assembling various materials and objects to create a unified visual
composition.
9. Mixed Media: Combining multiple artistic mediums and techniques to create
unique and layered works of art.
10. Illustrations: Visual representations used to enhance and complement
written content, often seen in books, magazines, and digital media.
11. Graphic Design: Creating visual designs for various purposes, including
logos, advertisements, posters, and user interfaces.
12. Decorative Arts: Works that combine functionality and aesthetics, such as
furniture, jewelry, glass art, and decorative objects.
Copyright protection for artistic works extends to the specific expression of visual and
aesthetic elements, including the arrangement of shapes, colors, textures, and other
visual components. While copyright protects the specific form of these elements, it
does not protect general artistic concepts or ideas.
Cinematograph Films
"Cinematograph films," commonly known as movies or films, are a category of creative
content that involves audiovisual storytelling through the combination of moving
images, sound, music, and other audio elements. Cinematograph films are a complex
form of artistic expression and entertainment that often require collaboration from
various professionals in the film industry. Here's a closer look at what constitutes
cinematograph films:
Cinematograph films are audiovisual works that combine moving images and sounds
to create a narrative, convey emotions, and entertain audiences. This category includes
a wide range of audiovisual content, such as:
1. Feature Films: Full-length movies with complex narratives, character
development, and thematic depth.
2. Short Films: Films with a shorter duration, often used to tell concise stories,
explore concepts, or experiment with filmmaking techniques.
3. Documentaries: Films that present real-life events, people, places, or issues
through a combination of visuals and narration.
4. Animated Films: Films that use animation techniques to bring characters
and scenes to life, appealing to both children and adults.
5. Experimental Films: Films that challenge traditional storytelling methods
and may focus on artistic expression, visual aesthetics, or unique narratives.
6. Music Videos: Short films created to accompany and enhance musical
compositions, often featuring visual storytelling and creative visuals.
7. Short Subjects: Brief films that cover a specific topic, concept, or theme and
are often used as part of larger programs.
8. Educational and Training Films: Films created to educate, inform, or train
audiences on various subjects.
9. Corporate and Promotional Videos: Videos created by businesses and
organizations for marketing, training, and promotional purposes.
10. Video Art: Artistic expressions created through the use of video and film
techniques, often exhibited in galleries and art installations.
Copyright protection for cinematograph films extends to the entire audiovisual work,
including the script, dialogues, acting performances, cinematography, sound effects,
music, and visual elements. The combination of these elements forms a cohesive and
unique work that is protected by copyright.
Filmmaking involves collaboration among various professionals, including directors,
screenwriters, actors, cinematographers, editors, sound designers, and more.
Copyright law ensures that these collaborators have rights over their contributions and
that their creative work is recognized and protected.
Cinematograph films are usually protected for a specific duration, typically
determined by copyright laws in each jurisdiction. Copyright protection allows
creators to control the distribution, screening, and reproduction of their films and to
benefit from their commercial success.
Sound recording
"Sound recordings" are a category of creative content that captures audio content, such
as music, spoken words, speeches, and other auditory experiences. Sound recordings
are distinct from musical compositions, which refer to the underlying musical
elements and arrangement. Sound recordings capture the actual performance or
rendition of a musical composition or audio content. Here's a closer look at what
constitutes sound recordings:
Sound Recordings: Sound recordings are audio representations of musical
performances, spoken words, or other auditory content. This category includes a wide
range of audio materials, such as:
1. Music Tracks: Audio recordings of musical performances, songs,
compositions, and instrumental pieces.
2. Voice Recordings: Spoken words, speeches, interviews, podcasts, and audio
books.
3. Sound Effects: Recorded sounds used to enhance audiovisual content, such
as movies, TV shows, and video games.
4. Field Recordings: Captured environmental sounds, nature sounds, ambient
noise, and real-world audio experiences.
5. Podcasts: Serialized audio content covering various topics, discussions,
stories, and interviews.
6. Audio Books: Narrated versions of written books, often used for
entertainment and education.
7. Interviews and Oral Histories: Recorded conversations and interviews
with individuals, often used to document history and personal experiences.
Copyright protection for sound recordings extends to the actual audio performance
and the recording itself, not the underlying composition or lyrics. In other words, while
the musical composition may be protected by copyright as a separate entity, the sound
recording captures a specific rendition of that composition.
Sound recordings involve collaboration among various professionals, including
musicians, vocalists, producers, engineers, and audio technicians. Copyright law
ensures that these contributors have rights over their performances and contributions
to the sound recording.
Like other copyrightable works, sound recordings must meet the criteria of originality
and fixation to be eligible for protection. The specific details of copyright protection
for sound recordings can vary based on jurisdiction, so it's important to consider the
laws applicable in your country or region.
It's worth noting that the relationship between musical compositions and sound
recordings can lead to complex legal issues and discussions about rights ownership,
licensing, and royalties, especially in cases where different individuals or entities are
involved in creating and producing the composition and the recording.
Acquisition of Copyright in India
In India, copyright is acquired automatically upon the creation of an original work, as
per the provisions of the Copyright Act, 1957. However, it's advisable to understand
the process and considerations for establishing and protecting copyright.
Rights of the Copyright owner
The copyright owner is granted a bundle of exclusive rights under copyright law, which
vary based on the type of work and the jurisdiction. These rights give the copyright
owner the authority to control how their work is used, reproduced, distributed, and
displayed. Here are the primary rights typically granted to the copyright owner:
Explain the economic rights of the copyright owner
The economic rights of the copyright owner encompass a set of exclusive rights that
grant the creator or copyright holder the ability to control the commercial use and
exploitation of their creative work. These rights allow the copyright owner to derive
financial benefits from their intellectual property. The economic rights include:
1. Reproduction Right: The reproduction right grants the copyright owner the
exclusive right to reproduce their work in various formats. This includes
making copies of the work in physical or digital form. For example, a musician
holds the reproduction right to their recorded songs, and a writer has the right
to reproduce their written works.
2. Distribution Right: The distribution right gives the copyright owner the
exclusive authority to distribute copies of their work to the public. This involves
making the work available to the public through sales, rentals, lending, or any
other form of distribution. It covers both physical and digital distribution. For
instance, a publisher has the distribution right for books, and a record label has
it for music albums.
3. Public Performance Right: This right applies to works that are intended to
be performed in public, such as musical compositions, plays, and films. The
copyright owner has the exclusive right to authorize or prohibit public
performances of their work. This includes live performances, theater
screenings, and broadcasting. Music venues, theaters, and broadcasting
networks need licenses from the copyright owner to publicly perform
copyrighted works.
4. Public Display Right: The public display right allows the copyright owner to
control the public presentation of their work. This applies to visual arts,
photographs, sculptures, and other visual content. For example, an artist can
control how their paintings or sculptures are displayed in galleries, exhibitions,
or online platforms.
5. Communication to the Public Right: This right pertains to the
transmission of the work to the public by any means. It covers broadcasting,
streaming, online distribution, and other forms of communication. Platforms
that transmit or distribute copyrighted content, such as streaming services and
online platforms, need licenses to do so legally.
6. Adaptation Right: The adaptation right, also known as the right to create
derivative works, allows the copyright owner to modify, adapt, or transform
their work to create new versions. This includes translations, adaptations,
remixes, and other modifications. For instance, an author can grant permission
for their book to be adapted into a movie.
These economic rights give creators and copyright holders the legal authority to
control how their works are used for financial gain. They also provide a framework for
negotiating licenses, royalties, and other agreements with third parties who want to
use or exploit the copyrighted content. While copyright grants these exclusive rights,
there are exceptions and limitations in copyright law that balance the rights of creators
with public interests, such as fair use or fair dealing provisions.
2. Rome Convention
The Rome Convention for the Protection of Performers, Producers of Phonograms,
and Broadcasting Organizations, commonly known as the Rome Convention, is an
international treaty that focuses on the protection of performers' rights, producers of
phonograms (sound recordings), and broadcasting organizations. The convention
aims to provide legal safeguards and rights for these entities involved in the creation
and dissemination of audiovisual content. Here are the key aspects and principles of
the Rome Convention:
Origin and Purpose: The Rome Convention was adopted in 1961 in Rome, Italy, and
it entered into force in 1964. The convention was established to address the rights and
interests of performers and other entities involved in the audiovisual field, particularly
those involved in live performances, sound recordings, and broadcasting.
Protection of Performers: One of the primary focuses of the Rome Convention is
the protection of performers' rights. It grants performers the exclusive right to
authorize or prohibit the recording, broadcasting, and rebroadcasting of their live
performances. This ensures that performers have control over the use and exploitation
of their live performances.
Protection of Producers of Phonograms: The Rome Convention also addresses
the rights of producers of phonograms, which are sound recordings. It grants
producers the right to authorize or prohibit the reproduction, distribution, and rental
of their phonograms. This helps safeguard the commercial interests of those who
invest in the production and distribution of sound recordings.
Protection of Broadcasting Organizations: Broadcasting organizations,
including television and radio broadcasters, are granted certain rights under the Rome
Convention. They have the exclusive right to authorize or prohibit the rebroadcasting
and communication to the public of their broadcasts. This recognizes the investments
made by broadcasting organizations in producing and disseminating content.
Rights of Performers in Audiovisual Fixations: The Rome Convention
acknowledges the rights of performers in audiovisual fixations, such as films and
television programs. Performers have the right to authorize or prohibit the
reproduction, distribution, and communication to the public of their performances as
part of audiovisual fixations.
Exceptions and Limitations: Similar to other copyright-related treaties, the Rome
Convention includes provisions for exceptions and limitations. These provisions aim
to balance the rights of performers, producers, and broadcasters with the interests of
the public and access to information.
International Protection: The Rome Convention provides for international
protection of performers' rights, producers' rights, and broadcasting organizations'
rights. It establishes minimum standards that member countries must adhere to,
ensuring a level of consistency in the protection of these rights.
Relationship with Other Treaties: The Rome Convention has close connections
with other international treaties, including the Berne Convention and the World
Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Copyright Treaty (WCT). These treaties
together form a comprehensive framework for the protection of various aspects of
intellectual property.
While the Rome Convention focuses on protecting performers, producers of
phonograms, and broadcasting organizations, it should be noted that many aspects of
copyright law and related rights continue to evolve, especially in the digital age. As a
result, subsequent treaties and agreements have emerged to address new challenges
and technologies in the field of intellectual property.
3. TRIPS agreement
4. Three-Step Test:
The Three-Step Test is a principle that is found in multiple international
copyright agreements, including the Berne Convention, the TRIPS Agreement,
and other treaties. It outlines a set of criteria that must be satisfied for a
limitation or exception to be considered acceptable:
1. Special Cases: Limitations and exceptions must apply only in certain special
cases that do not conflict with the normal exploitation of the work.
2. Does Not Unreasonably Prejudice: The limitation or exception must not
unreasonably prejudice the legitimate interests of the copyright holder.
3. No Conflicts: The use of the work under the limitation or exception must not
conflict with the normal exploitation of the work by the copyright holder.
These principles are meant to ensure that limitations and exceptions are
carefully balanced to protect both the interests of copyright holders and the
broader public interest in accessing and using creative works.
The limitations and exceptions set under the Berne Convention, the Rome
Convention, the TRIPS Agreement, and the Three-Step Test as they relate to
copyright. Please note that these conventions and agreements establish a framework
for copyright law, and the specific implementation of limitations and exceptions can
vary from country to country. Here's a general overview:
Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works:
1. Right of Quotation: The Berne Convention includes a provision allowing
limited use of copyrighted works for the purpose of quotation. This permits the
use of excerpts from copyrighted works for purposes such as criticism,
commentary, and news reporting, provided proper attribution is given.
2. Educational Use: While not explicitly mentioned, the Berne Convention
acknowledges the importance of education and information dissemination.
Many countries allow limited use of copyrighted works for educational
purposes.
Rome Convention for the Protection of Performers, Producers of
Phonograms, and Broadcasting Organizations:
1. Performers' Rights: The Rome Convention grants performers the right to
control the recording, broadcasting, and rebroadcasting of their live
performances. This right is designed to protect performers' interests in how
their live performances are used and exploited.
2. Protection of Fixations: The Rome Convention recognizes the rights of
performers in audiovisual fixations, giving them the authority to authorize or
prohibit the reproduction, distribution, and communication to the public of
their performances as part of audiovisual fixations.
TRIPS Agreement (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property
Rights):
1. Exceptions and Limitations: The TRIPS Agreement recognizes the
importance of limitations and exceptions to copyright. It requires member
countries to provide limitations and exceptions that balance the interests of
copyright holders with the broader public interest, such as education, research,
and access to information.
2. Three-Step Test: The TRIPS Agreement incorporates the Three-Step Test,
which sets the criteria for determining whether limitations and exceptions to
copyright are acceptable. Any limitations and exceptions must not conflict with
the normal exploitation of the work and must not unreasonably prejudice the
legitimate interests of the copyright holder.
Infringement of Copyright
Copyright infringement refers to the unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, or
adaptation of copyrighted material without the permission of the copyright owner or
without legal justification. Infringement occurs when someone uses a copyrighted
work in a way that violates the exclusive rights granted to the copyright holder under
copyright law. This can involve using all or a substantial part of the work, and it can
apply to various forms of creative content, including literary works, music, films,
software, art, and more.
Key points about copyright infringement include:
1. Exclusive Rights Violation: Copyright infringement involves the violation
of one or more of the exclusive rights granted to the copyright owner, such as
the right to reproduce, distribute, perform, display, and create derivative works
based on the original.
2. Unauthorized Use: Infringement occurs when someone uses a copyrighted
work without obtaining proper authorization from the copyright owner. This
includes using the work for commercial or non-commercial purposes without
permission.
3. Copying and Distribution: Common examples of copyright infringement
include making unauthorized copies of books, music, films, or software, as well
as distributing copyrighted material without permission, such as through file-
sharing networks.
4. Adaptation and Derivative Works: Creating derivative works,
adaptations, or remixes based on a copyrighted work without permission can
also constitute infringement.
5. Online and Digital Infringement: With the rise of the internet and digital
technologies, online copyright infringement has become prevalent. This
includes unauthorized sharing and distribution of copyrighted material
through websites, social media, and file-sharing platforms.
6. Fair Use and Exceptions: Some jurisdictions have limitations and
exceptions to copyright law, such as fair use or fair dealing, which allow limited
use of copyrighted material without permission for purposes like criticism,
education, and news reporting. However, these exceptions vary by country and
are subject to specific criteria.
7. Legal Remedies: Copyright holders have legal remedies against infringers,
which can include sending cease and desist letters, filing lawsuits for damages
and injunctions, and pursuing criminal charges in some cases.
8. Damages and Penalties: If copyright infringement is proven in court, the
infringer may be required to pay damages to the copyright holder. Additionally,
courts can order the removal of infringing content and issue injunctions to
prevent further infringement.
Transfer of copyright
The transfer of copyright refers to the legal process by which the copyright owner (the
creator or the current copyright holder) grants or assigns some or all of their exclusive
rights to another party. This transfer allows the recipient of the rights (the transferee)
to exercise those rights as if they were the original copyright owner. Transfers of
copyright can occur through various mechanisms:
1. Assignment: An assignment involves the complete transfer of ownership of
copyright from one party to another. The original copyright owner gives up all
their rights and interests in the work to the assignee. This can be done through
a written agreement, contract, or deed of assignment.
2. License: A license is a permission granted by the copyright owner to another
party, allowing them to use the copyrighted work under specific conditions.
Unlike an assignment, the copyright owner retains ownership of the work, but
the licensee is given certain rights to use the work as outlined in the license
agreement. Licenses can be exclusive (meaning the licensee is the only one with
permission) or non-exclusive (allowing multiple licensees).
3. Work for Hire: In some cases, when a work is created by an employee as part
of their job duties, the copyright may automatically belong to the employer, and
the concept of "work for hire" applies. The employer is considered the original
copyright owner, and no transfer is needed.
4. Joint Ownership: Copyright can also be jointly owned by multiple parties
who collaborate on a work. Joint owners typically have equal rights to the work
and can exploit it without the need for explicit permission from the other joint
owners.
Transferring copyright involves legal considerations to ensure that both the transferor
and the transferee understand the terms and implications of the transfer. These
considerations may include:
• Written Agreement: A written agreement detailing the terms of the transfer
is essential. It should specify the rights being transferred, the duration of the
transfer, any compensation or royalties involved, and any limitations or
restrictions.
• Territorial Scope: The agreement should clarify the geographic territories in
which the transferred rights can be exercised.
• Duration: The agreement should specify whether the transfer is temporary
(for a specific period) or permanent.
• Compensation: If the transfer involves compensation or royalties, the terms
of payment should be clearly outlined.
• Revocation or Reversion: The agreement should address circumstances
under which the transfer can be revoked or when the rights may revert to the
original owner.
• Exclusivity: In the case of exclusive transfers, the agreement should specify
that the copyright owner will not grant the same rights to others during the
transfer period.
It's crucial for both parties to understand the terms of the transfer and to consult legal
professionals when drafting or signing transfer agreements.