Copyright

• Artistic work - 'Artistic Work' means a painting, sculpture, a drawing, an engraving or photograph
• Dramatic work - 'Dramatic Work' includes any piece for recitation, choreographic work or entertainment
• Literary Work - The term 'Literary Work' refers to any literary writings, as well as computer programs, tables, compilations and computer databases
• Musical work - 'Musical work' means a work consisting of music and includes any graphical notation of such work, but does not include any words or any action intended to be sung, spoken or performed with the music

Copyright owners have the exclusive right to either do or authorize the doing of any of the following:

• to reproduce the work in any material form including the storing of it in any medium by electronic means
• to issue copies of the work to the public not being copies already in publication
• to perform the work in public, or communicate it to the public to make any translation or adaptation of the work
• to sell or give on hire, or offer for sale or hire a copy regardless of whether such copy has been sold or given on hire on earlier occasions

Normally, the creator of the work is the first owner.

The owner of the copyright can assign the copyright either fully or partially or subject to limitations. The term of assignment can also be specified. Rights of future work can also be assigned. Such rights are however effective only after the work comes into existence.

The normal term of a copyright is throughout the lifetime of the author plus 60 years from the beginning of the calendar year following the year in which the author dies. In case of joint authorship, the author who dies last will be considered.

Copyright need not be registered. However, given the issues of infringement, it is advisable to register. More often than not the issue of proof of originality of the work is difficult to resolve. A copyright registration would negate the need for such proof as the certificate and all the information contained therein is considered sufficient.

The act provides for remedies in case of infringement of copyright, which is considered a civil as well as criminal offence.