What is Copyright?
Copyright is a legal right that provides creators of original works exclusive rights to use,
reproduce, distribute, and display their works. It protects intellectual creations such as literary,
artistic, musical, and other creative works from unauthorized use by others. Copyright
encourages innovation by ensuring creators are rewarded for their efforts.
Areas Covered Under Copyright
1. Literary Works:
o Books, articles, poems, manuscripts, computer programs, and databases.
o Example: A novel by J.K. Rowling.
2. Artistic Works:
o Paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures, architectural designs.
o Example: Van Gogh’s "Starry Night."
3. Musical Works:
o Compositions, lyrics, and sound recordings.
o Example: Songs by The Beatles.
4. Dramatic Works:
o Plays, scripts, and screenplays.
o Example: Shakespeare’s "Hamlet."
5. Cinematographic Films:
o Movies, TV shows, documentaries, and animations.
o Example: "Avatar" by James Cameron.
6. Sound Recordings:
o Audio recordings of music, speeches, or sound effects.
o Example: A recorded podcast or album.
7. Broadcasts:
o Television and radio broadcasts.
o Example: News or sports broadcasts.
8. Software and Digital Content:
o Computer software, mobile apps, and websites.
o Example: Microsoft Windows or a mobile game.
Duration of Copyright
• Generally, copyright lasts for the lifetime of the creator plus 50 to 70 years
(depending on the jurisdiction). After that, the work enters the public domain.