Copyright Act, 1957

What does the Copyright Act of 1957 protect?

The Copyright Act 1957 safeguards original literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works, as well as cinematographed films and sound recordings, preventing unauthorized use. 

What falls under the subject matter of Copyright?

Subject to the Act’s provisions, copyright includes original dramatic, musical, literary, and artistic works, along with sound recordings and cinematograph films in India.

Who will be the first owner of Copyright?

The author of the work is the initial owner. In cases where the author is employed under a contract of service, the proprietor becomes the first owner in the absence of an agreement to the contrary for literary, dramatic, or artistic works.

Is the 1957 Copyright Act bailable?

According to Part II, an offense punishable with imprisonment for less than 3 years or with a fine is non-cognizable and bailable. If the punishment involves imprisonment for 3 years and upwards but not exceeding 7 years, the offense is cognizable and non-bailable.



Copyright Act, 1957 : Meaning, Features, Remedies and FAQs

The Copyright Act, 1957 established the legal framework for safeguarding original literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works, as well as cinematographic films and sound recordings in India. The legislation imposes penalties for unauthorized reproduction, distribution, performance, display, or communication of these works and allows for fair dealing exceptions, such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, research, and private study. Additionally, it permits certain forms of derivative works, like translations, abridgments, and adaptations, fostering intellectual property growth in India and encouraging creativity and innovation. Aligned with major international treaties, including the Universal Copyright Convention, Rome Convention, Berne Convention, and TRIPS Agreement, this landmark legislation remains the cornerstone of India’s modern copyright system, ensuring proper recognition and compensation for creators.

Geeky Takeaways:

  • The Copyright Act 1957 protects original dramatic, musical, literary, and artistic works, specifically sound recordings and cinematographic films, in India.
  • The Act permits various forms of derivative works, such as translations, abridgments, and adaptations, contributing to the growth of intellectual property in India and fostering creativity and innovation.
  • It incorporates fair dealing exceptions, allowing activities like criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, research, and private study without infringing on copyright.
  • The legislation enforces penalties for unauthorized activities such as reproduction, distribution, performance, display, or communication of these protected works.

Table of Content

  • What is Copyright?
  • Salient Features of the Copyright Act, 1957
  • Subject Matter of Copyright
  • Rights of the Copyright Holder 
  • What are Infringement Remedies under Copyright Act, 1957?
  • Exceptions to Copyright Infringement
  • Conclusion 
  • Copyright Act, 1957- FAQs 

Similar Reads

What is Copyright?

Copyright focuses on a set of exclusive rights granted by law to creators of dramatic, literary, musical, and artistic works, as well as producers of sound recordings and cinematographic films. These rights encompass the communication to the public, adaptation, and translation of the work, with the scope and duration of protection varying depending on the type of work. Globally, copyright laws aim to stimulate creativity, encourage innovation, and offer incentives for artists and writers to produce new works. In India, the Copyright Act 1957 serves as the principal legislative framework governing copyright matters, ensuring the protection and regulation of intellectual property....

Salient Features of the Copyright Act, 1957

1. Scope of Rights (Section 13): Under Section 13 of the Copyright Act, the scope of rights is expansive, encompassing various creative works. Literary works, which include books, manuscripts, poetry, and theses, receive protection. Similarly, musical compositions, dramatic works, artistic creations, sound recordings, and cinematograph films fall under this umbrella, highlighting the Act’s comprehensive coverage of different forms of artistic expression....

Subject Matter of Copyright

1. Original Musical Work: Original musical works involve the composition of music, potentially incorporating graphical notations. Excluded are works intended for singing, speaking, or performing with music. The 2012 Amendment introduced statutory licenses for cover versions, allowing specific adaptations of existing musical works. It’s noteworthy that a song typically comprises both literary and musical elements, with distinct rights possibly owned by different individuals....

Rights of the Copyright Holder

1. Reproduction Right: The Reproduction Right, outlined in Section 106(1), bestows upon the copyright owner the exclusive privilege to duplicate the copyrighted work in copies or phonorecords. This integral right grants meticulous control to the copyright owner over the replication of their work, regulating the making of copies and ensuring that they retain authority over the reproduction process....

What are Infringement Remedies under Copyright Act, 1957?

A. Civil Remedies for Copyright Infringement...

Exceptions to Copyright Infringement

1. Private or Personal Use: Section 52 of the Copyright Act of 1957 introduces the concept of fair dealing, allowing individuals to engage in fair dealing with any work (excluding computer programs) for personal use, including research. This provision recognizes the importance of individual access to and use of copyrighted material within the bounds of personal consumption....

Conclusion

The Copyright Act 1957 is a cornerstone in India’s legal landscape, providing a comprehensive framework for safeguarding intellectual property. With a broad scope covering various creative works, ownership clarity, and robust remedies for infringement, the Act ensures fair recognition and compensation for creators. The Act’s detailed definition of protected works and delineation of copyright holders’ rights exhibit a nuanced understanding of creative content. Civil and criminal remedies, along with exceptions for private use, criticism, and education, further highlight its balanced approach to protecting intellectual property while fostering innovation. Ultimately, the Act remains crucial in maintaining a dynamic environment for creativity within legal boundaries....

Copyright Act, 1957- FAQs

What does the Copyright Act of 1957 protect?...