IPR Sem 1 LLM
IPR Sem 1 LLM
Patents: Patents protect inventions or discoveries, providing the inventor with the
exclusive right to use, sell, or license their creation for a limited period (usually 20
years). In return, the inventor must disclose the details of the invention, enabling
others to learn from it once the patent expires.
Plant Variety Protection (Plant Patents): Plant variety protection grants exclusive
rights to breeders of new plant varieties, giving them control over the sale, use,
and distribution of the protected plants for a certain period.
It is important to note that the specific laws and regulations governing intellectual
property vary from country to country. Additionally, some creations may be
protected under multiple categories of intellectual property (e.g., a software
program could be protected by copyright as well as patents if it involves a novel
technical innovation). Individuals and businesses seeking IP protection should
consult with legal professionals with expertise in intellectual property law to
understand the most appropriate and effective strategies for safeguarding their
creations.
2. Berne convention ?
The Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, often
referred to as the Berne Convention, is an international treaty governing
copyright and related rights. It was first adopted in Berne, Switzerland, in 1886
and has since been revised several times, with the latest version being the Paris
Act of 1971. The treaty is administered by the World Intellectual Property
Organization (WIPO).
The primary objective of the Berne Convention is to establish a framework for the
protection of literary and artistic works among member countries, ensuring that
creators' rights are recognized and protected globally. Key provisions of the Berne
Convention include:
"Rule of the Shorter Term": The convention establishes the principle of the "rule
of the shorter term," which means that if a work is protected for a shorter
duration in the country of origin than in the country where protection is sought,
the shorter term applies.
Moral Rights: The Berne Convention recognizes the importance of moral rights
for authors, which include the right to claim authorship of the work and the right
to object to any distortion, mutilation, or modification of the work that could
harm the author's reputation.
As of my last update in September 2021, the Berne Convention had over 170
member countries, making it one of the most widely adopted international
treaties in the field of intellectual property. Countries that are party to the Berne
Convention are known as "Berne Union" countries, and they collaborate to
uphold and strengthen copyright protections for creators worldwide.
3. Moral rights of Authors ?
Moral rights are a set of rights granted to authors or creators of certain types of
intellectual property, particularly in the realm of copyright law. Unlike economic
rights, which focus on the commercial exploitation of creative works, moral rights
are more personal in nature and are intended to protect the non-economic
interests and reputation of the author. These rights are often associated with the
Berne Convention and other international treaties, as well as specific national
copyright laws. The moral rights of authors typically include the following:
Right of Attribution (Right of Paternity): This right grants the author the ability to
be recognized as the creator of their work. It ensures that the author's name is
associated with the work whenever it is used, published, displayed, or performed.
This right helps prevent unauthorized use of the work without proper credit being
given to the author.
Right to Integrity: The right to integrity protects the work from being subjected to
derogatory treatment or alterations that could harm the author's reputation. It
allows the author to object to any modifications, mutilations, or distortions of
their work that could be considered prejudicial to their honor or reputation.
Right of Disclosure: This right allows the author to decide when and how their
work should be disclosed or published. Authors can choose to keep their work
private until they are ready to release it to the public.
Right of Withdrawal: This right enables the author to withdraw their work from
circulation or public access under certain circumstances. This might occur if the
author's views or beliefs change significantly, or if the work is being used in a way
that goes against the author's values.
Moral rights are often inalienable, meaning they cannot be transferred or waived,
and they typically persist even after the economic rights to the work have been
assigned or expired. These rights aim to protect the personal connection between
creators and their creations and ensure that authors maintain a certain level of
control and respect over their work, regardless of its commercial value or
popularity. It's important to note that the scope and recognition of moral rights
can vary from country to country, as some legal systems offer stronger
protections than others.
4. Term of Copy right ?
United States:
For works created on or after January 1, 1978, copyright protection lasts for the
life of the author plus 70 years. If the work is created by a corporate author or
was a work for hire, the copyright term is 95 years from the date of publication or
120 years from the date of creation, whichever is shorter.
European Union:
In the European Union, copyright protection generally lasts for the life of the
author plus 70 years, similar to the United States.
Canada: Copyright protection in Canada typically lasts for the life of the author
plus 50 years.
United Kingdom: Copyright protection in the United Kingdom usually lasts for the
life of the author plus 70 years.
Australia: In Australia, copyright protection lasts for the life of the author plus 70
years.It's essential to note that these terms can be subject to change due to
updates in copyright laws. Additionally, the term of copyright can differ for
certain types of works or for works created before specific dates, as some
countries have different rules for works created before their current copyright
legislation was established.
As always, if you are concerned about the specific copyright term for a particular
work or have questions about copyright protection, it's best to consult with a
legal professional knowledgeable in intellectual property law in your country.
Recording of audio and video works, particularly in the context of copyright law,
often involves some special provisions and considerations. These provisions
address various aspects related to the rights of creators, performers, and
producers of audio and video content. Here are some key special provisions for
recording of audio and video works:
Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) - USA: In the United States, the DMCA
provides certain safe harbor provisions for online service providers regarding
user-generated content that may include audio and video works. Online platforms
must comply with takedown notices from copyright holders if infringing content is
uploaded by users, and they are granted certain protections if they follow specific
procedures.
Fair Use and Fair Dealing: Some countries have fair use or fair dealing provisions
that allow for the limited use of copyrighted materials without permission for
purposes such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, education, and research.
These provisions may apply to the use of copyrighted audio and video works in
certain situations.
Public Domain: Audio and video works may also enter the public domain, where
they are no longer under copyright protection and can be freely used and
distributed by the public.
It's essential to recognize that copyright laws and provisions may differ
significantly from country to country, so the specific rules and regulations
surrounding audio and video recordings can vary depending on the jurisdiction. If
you have questions about recording or using audio and video works, it's advisable
to seek legal counsel from an intellectual property attorney who is familiar with
the laws in your country.
6. Write a short notes on Anton pillar order ?
An Anton Piller order, also known as an "ex parte search and seizure order," is a
legal remedy used in civil cases to protect the plaintiff's intellectual property
rights from potential infringement or unauthorized use. The order allows the
plaintiff to enter the defendant's premises, without prior notice, and conduct a
search and seizure of relevant evidence to preserve the plaintiff's rights and
prevent the destruction or removal of crucial evidence.
Purpose: Anton Piller orders are typically sought by the plaintiff when there is a
genuine concern that the defendant may destroy or remove evidence before a
formal trial or court hearing can take place. It is commonly used in cases involving
intellectual property infringement, such as copyright, trademark, or trade secret
disputes.
Use of the Seized Evidence: The evidence obtained through an Anton Piller order
is typically used to support the plaintiff's case during the trial. It may also be used
to obtain further legal remedies, such as injunctions or damages.
Abuse of Process Concerns: Anton Piller orders are powerful tools, but there is a
risk of potential abuse by the plaintiff. If the order is obtained without sufficient
cause or evidence, it can lead to serious consequences for the defendant, and the
plaintiff may be liable for damages.
Due to the significant impact on the defendant's rights and the potential for
abuse, Anton Piller orders are subject to strict judicial scrutiny. Courts carefully
consider the balance between protecting the plaintiff's rights and ensuring
fairness and proportionality in the process. As a result, Anton Piller orders are
typically granted only in exceptional circumstances where no other remedy is
deemed adequate to protect the plaintiff's rights.
7. write a short note on copyright office ?
Evolving Role in the Digital Age: With the rise of digital technologies and online
content distribution, copyright offices face new challenges in addressing issues
such as digital piracy, online infringement, and the protection of digital rights.
They continually adapt their practices and services to meet the changing
landscape of copyright in the digital age.
Overall, copyright offices play a crucial role in maintaining a fair and balanced
system of intellectual property protection. They help creators secure their rights,
support the development of creative industries, and foster innovation by
providing a clear and accessible framework for copyright registration and
enforcement
8. write a short note on performers right ?
Performer's rights, also known as neighboring rights or related rights, are a set of
rights granted to performers in their performances of audio and audiovisual
works. These rights protect the interests of artists, musicians, actors, and other
individuals who contribute their talent and creativity to the creation of
performances. Unlike copyright, which protects the underlying content of the
work, performer's rights focus on the protection of the actual performance itself.
Control over Use: Performers have the right to control the use of their
performances, especially in commercial settings. They can grant or deny
permission for the recording, reproduction, broadcasting, and public performance
of their performances.
Policy and Advocacy: WIPO conducts research, policy analysis, and studies related
to intellectual property, producing reports and publications to raise awareness
and foster understanding of IP's role in promoting innovation, creativity, and
economic development.
Technical Assistance and Capacity Building: WIPO provides technical assistance
and capacity-building programs to developing countries, helping them strengthen
their IP systems and enabling them to effectively use intellectual property to
promote economic growth and development.
Global IP Services: WIPO offers a range of global IP services, including the Patent
Cooperation Treaty (PCT) for streamlined international patent filings, the Madrid
System for international trademark registration, the Hague System for
international industrial designs, and the WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT) for
copyright protection in the digital environment.
Arbitration and Mediation: WIPO provides services for the resolution of IP-
related disputes through its Arbitration and Mediation Center. This facility helps
parties resolve IP conflicts in a neutral and efficient manner.
WIPO's work plays a crucial role in fostering innovation, creativity, and cultural
diversity while providing a framework for protecting and rewarding the
intellectual contributions of individuals and organizations around the world. By
promoting balanced and effective intellectual property rights, WIPO contributes
to the advancement of technology, culture, and commerce on a global scale.
ESSAY QUESTIONS
1. what does the term "intellectual Property" signify ? what is the rationale
behind the genesis and evolution of intellectual property rights ?
Sub-Topics:
c. Patent: Patents protect inventions and discoveries, granting the inventor the
exclusive right to use, sell, or license their invention for a limited period.
b. Trademark Dispute Case: Two companies fight over the use of a similar logo,
which could cause confusion among consumers.
Introduction:
The Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) is
an international treaty administered by the World Trade Organization (WTO). It
was established to harmonize and set minimum standards for intellectual
property (IP) protection across member countries, aiming to promote innovation,
technological transfer, and fair trade. While the TRIPS Agreement has played a
significant role in safeguarding intellectual property rights, it has also faced
criticism and controversy in various areas.
Conclusion:
The TRIPS Agreement has undoubtedly made strides in protecting intellectual
property rights globally and promoting innovation. However, it has also faced
criticism for potential negative impacts on access to essential goods, cultural
heritage, and technological advancements. Addressing these concerns while
striking a balance between IP protection and public interest remains a challenge
for policymakers, aiming for a more inclusive and equitable intellectual property
regime.
3. “Idea Per Se is not copyrightable”. Explain the statement with the help of
relevant case law ?
Introduction:
The statement "Idea Per Se is not copyrightable" refers to the principle that
copyright protection does not extend to mere ideas or concepts but rather to the
expression of those ideas in a tangible form. In other words, copyright protects
the specific way in which an idea is articulated, not the underlying idea itself. This
concept is essential to understand the scope and limitations of copyright law.
a) Original: The work must possess a minimal degree of creativity, indicating that
it is independently created and not merely a copy of preexisting material.
b) Fixed in a Tangible Medium: The work must be recorded or captured in a
material form, such as a written document, painting, photograph, or digital file.
Sub-Topic 2: Idea-Expression Dichotomy
The idea-expression dichotomy is a fundamental principle in copyright law that
distinguishes between protectable expression and unprotectable ideas. This
principle ensures that authors have a monopoly only over the specific expression
of their ideas and not over the ideas themselves.
Example: Imagine two writers have the idea of writing a romance novel set in a
small coastal town. Writer A writes a novel about star-crossed lovers overcoming
societal barriers, while Writer B writes a novel about a love triangle between
childhood friends. Both novels share the same idea of a romance in a coastal
town, but their expressions and plots are distinct. Copyright protects each
author's respective novel, not the generic idea of a romance in a coastal town.
Ruling: The court held that copyright protection could not extend to the
accounting system's method itself. Copyright only protected Baker's specific
expression of the method, not the method's idea. As long as Selden did not copy
Baker's actual expression, he was not liable for copyright infringement.
Example: The case of Harper & Row Publishers, Inc. v. Nation Enterprises (1985)
involved the unauthorized publication of excerpts from former President Gerald
Ford's memoir. The court ruled in favor of the copyright holder, emphasizing the
significance of protecting the original expression of a musical work, in this case,
the written memoir.
Example: In the case of Bridgeman Art Library Ltd. v. Corel Corp. (1999), the court
held that photographs of public domain paintings that lacked originality did not
qualify for a new copyright. The decision reinforced the idea that copyright
protection requires originality in the artistic expression.
5. Who will be the author and who will be the owner of a copyrighted work
? what are the rights of the owners of copyright?
Conclusion:
In summary, copyright law distinguishes between the author and owner of a
copyrighted work. The author is the creator of the original expression, while
ownership can be held by the author or transferred to another entity. Copyright
owners have exclusive rights over their works, enabling them to control
reproduction, distribution, public performance, and other aspects of their
creations. However, certain limitations, such as fair use, ensure a balance
between the rights of copyright owners and the public interest in creativity and
free expression.
6. Evalute the role of copyright societies in promoting and protecting in
intrests of the owners and authors of copyrights ?
Introduction:
Copyright societies play a crucial role in promoting and protecting the interests of
copyright owners and authors. They are collective management organizations
that administer and enforce copyright on behalf of creators, such as authors,
composers, musicians, artists, and other rightsholders. These societies help
manage the licensing, distribution, and collection of royalties for copyrighted
works. In this breakdown, we will explore various aspects of their role and
functions.
Example: Broadcasters pay licensing fees to the relevant copyright society, which
then distributes the collected royalties to the songwriters and music publishers
whose works were broadcasted.
Case Law - Irving Berlin et al. v. E.C. Publications, Inc. (1963): This case
established that collective management organizations could sue for copyright
infringement on behalf of their members.
Section 33 of the Indian Copyright Act, 1957: This section deals with the rights and
obligations of copyright societies in India, outlining their functions and powers.
Case Law - Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL) v. Hotel Gold Regency (2014):
This case involved the Indian copyright society PPL seeking royalty from a hotel
for playing copyrighted music. The court ruled in favor of PPL, upholding the right
to collect royalties for public performances.
Section 106 of the U.S. Copyright Act: This section outlines the exclusive rights of
copyright owners, which are often managed and enforced by copyright societies
in the United States.
Remember, copyright laws and regulations can vary from country to country, so
it's essential to refer to the specific legislation in your region. Copyright societies
play a pivotal role in fostering creativity and ensuring that creators are
appropriately rewarded for their valuable contributions to society.
7. Explain the Doctrine of “FAIR DEALING “ and specify the acts which do not
constitute infringement of a copyright ?
Introduction:
The doctrine of "Fair Dealing" is a legal concept that allows limited use of
copyrighted material without the permission of the copyright owner. It is
intended to balance the interests of copyright holders with the public interest in
accessing and using copyrighted works for certain purposes. Fair dealing varies
from one jurisdiction to another and is often subject to specific conditions and
limitations. In some countries, it is known as "Fair Use" instead of fair dealing.
Research and Private Study: Using copyrighted material for personal research,
study, or self-education.
Criticism and Review: Quoting from a copyrighted work for the purpose of
critique or review.
News Reporting: Using copyrighted material in news reporting and journalism.
Parody and Satire: Creating humorous or satirical imitations of copyrighted works.
Education: Using copyrighted material for educational purposes in classrooms,
lectures, or presentations.
Sub-topic 4: Fair Dealing vs. Fair Use
Fair Dealing and Fair Use are similar concepts, but they differ in scope and
application. Fair Use is primarily a U.S. legal doctrine, allowing a broader range of
uses compared to fair dealing, which is more common in countries following
common law traditions like the UK, Canada, Australia, etc.
Example: In the U.S., a documentary filmmaker may rely on Fair Use to include
copyrighted footage for commentary and criticism, while in Canada, the
filmmaker would typically rely on fair dealing for the same purpose.
Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act: This section outlines the four factors that
courts consider when determining Fair Use in the United States.
Section 52 of the Indian Copyright Act, 1957: This section deals with acts that do
not constitute infringement, including fair dealing provisions in India.
Remember that the application of fair dealing can be complex, and courts often
assess each case individually based on the specific circumstances. It's essential to
consult the copyright laws in your jurisdiction and seek legal advice if you have
specific concerns about fair dealing or fair use.
Introduction:
A compulsory license is a legal mechanism that allows a person or entity to use a
copyrighted work without the explicit permission of the copyright owner. It is
usually granted by the government or a copyright authority under specific
circumstances to promote access to copyrighted material while ensuring fair
compensation to the copyright owner. Compulsory licenses can be a crucial tool in
balancing the interests of creators and the public.
Public Interest: Ensuring that certain copyrighted works are accessible to the
public for important purposes, such as education, research, or public health.
Market Competition: Preventing copyright monopolies and encouraging
competition in the market for specific copyrighted goods or services.
Fair Compensation: Guaranteeing that the copyright owner receives
compensation for the use of their work, even if they do not consent to the
license.
Sub-topic 2: Circumstances for Granting Compulsory License
Various circumstances may trigger the granting of a compulsory license. Some
common situations include:
Non-Availability: When a copyrighted work is not commercially available or
accessible to the public, a compulsory license can be granted to allow its use.
Public Interest: Compulsory licenses may be granted to promote education,
research, public health, or other matters of vital importance to society.
Anticompetitive Practices: In cases where the copyright owner engages in
anticompetitive behavior or refuses to license their work, a compulsory license
can be issued to encourage market competition.
Example: If a pharmaceutical company holds a patent on a life-saving drug but
fails to make it available at an affordable price in a country with a public health
crisis, the government may grant a compulsory license to another manufacturer
to produce the drug and ensure its wider distribution at lower costs.
Section 11 of the Canadian Copyright Act: This section outlines the conditions
under which a compulsory license may be granted in Canada.
Compulsory licenses can be essential tools for balancing copyright protection with
public interests. They enable access to valuable works while ensuring fair
compensation to copyright owners. However, the circumstances and conditions
for granting such licenses may vary depending on the specific jurisdiction and the
nature of the copyrighted work involved.
Introduction:
Copyright infringement occurs when someone uses, copies, reproduces,
distributes, or performs a copyrighted work without the authorization of the
copyright owner or outside the scope of fair use or fair dealing. Copyright
infringement is a violation of the exclusive rights granted to the copyright owner
under copyright law, and it can lead to legal consequences and potential liability
for the infringer.
Sub-topic 1: Understanding Copyright Infringement
Copyright infringement is the unauthorized use of a copyrighted work that
belongs to someone else. It includes using the work in whole or in part without
obtaining the necessary permissions or licenses from the copyright owner.
Infringement can happen through various means, including print, digital media,
performances, or public displays.
Example: If someone uploads a copyrighted movie to a video-sharing platform
without the permission of the movie's production studio, it constitutes copyright
infringement.