Frequently Asked Question on  Copyright 

  • What is Copyright?

Copyright is a form of protection granted for original works of authorship that original creative work which may be of form artwork, literary work, video, etc.

  • For how many years Copyright is granted?

 Lifetime of author and thereafter 60 years

  •  Is registration mandatory in Copyright?

 Registration not mandatory but highly recommended as if ever challenged then author has to go through lots of hardship to establish copyright on her original work. If there is a legal documents of registration then authorship and date of work is always proved.

  • Is copyright valid in other countries?

Copyright is also territorial right, however, India being member of several conventions where each country respects other’s registered copyright. Universal Copyright Convention protects other countries Trademark in India and also in such other country.

  • What IP rights are there in a song, story?

Primarily in such works, copyright subsist.

  • I want to record a cover song- What right do I have in it?

You can do a cover only after expiry of certain period of time compared to the original version, and also you can obtain license to do cover songs, but yours rights are only of a performers and on composition in new manner.

  • What right I have as a computer programmer?

Depending on the scope and ambit of your work, your rights may be covered under Copyright.

  • I have made a collage work – can I claim IP right?

Yes, collage work are protected depending on factors like your contribution, modifications, changes made by you, ingenuity in representation etc.

  • I have recorded song mash-up – can I have any right on it?

Provided you have obtained appropriate permission to use other’s work and subject to the extent of your contribution, mash-up may be protected. Copyright Lawyer can guide you.

  • I have prepared a vlog – how can I protect it?

 Degree of originality in your vlog is important. If you have originally created it, no similarity exists with others then your vlog is protected.

  •  I am a researcher – I am getting call for paper reading what should I do?

 If you are a science researcher and you think that your research has potential to be patented, get in touch with a Patent Attorney, who shall guide you based on potential of your work and your future goal involving your work.If you are a non-scientific researcher, and your work is original you can go for a copyright registration. In all such cases (scientific or non-scientific), it is highly advisable to connect to a intellectual property attorney before presenting the paper.

  •  Is cooking recipe protected under IP?

Yes cooking recipes may be are protected under copyright. Contact Copyright lawyer for necessary details.

Source: WIPO, IPINDIA, COPYRIGHT