copyright

Intellectual property, often known as IP, refers to creations of the mind: inventions (patents), literary and artistic works, symbols, names, images, designs used in commerce. The owner of intellectual property can control and be rewarded for its use, and this encourages further innovation and creativity to the benefit of us all.

Intellectual property is divided into two main categories:

• Copyright, which includes literary and artistic works such as novels, poems and plays, films, musical works, web sites, drawings, paintings, photographs and sculptures, and architectural designs. Rights related to copyright include those of performing artists in their performances, producers of phonograms in their recordings, and those of broadcasters in their radio and television programs.
• Industrial property, which includes inventions or patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and geographic indications of source.

Copyright and related rights are legal concepts and instruments which, while respecting and protecting the rights of creators in their works, also contribute to the cultural and economic development of nations. Copyright law fulfills a decisive role in articulating the contributions and rights of the different stakeholders taking part in the cultural industries and the relation between them and the public.

What is copyright?

Copyright is a legal term describing rights given to creators for their literary and artistic works.

The purpose of copyright is to allow creators to gain economic rewards for their efforts and so encourage future creativity and the development of new material which benefits us all. Copyright material is usually the result of creative skill and significant labor and investment, and without protection, it would often be very easy for others to exploit material without paying the creator.

Copyright protection is automatic as soon as there is a record in any form of the work created.