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.
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