Copyright

• Protection of original literary and artistic works and derivative works, not ideas
• Examples: private letters, haircut, floral decoration of a bridge, examination papers,
computer programmes
• Right of reproduction, performance, broadcasting, communication, adaptation, translation
• Transfer of copyright
• Economic rights and moral rights
• First sale, rent, importation
• Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works (1886) – oldest
international convention governing copyright
• Minimum duration of protection: 50 years from date of the author's death (for photographic
works and works of applied art, 25 years after the making the work)
• WIPO Copyright Treaty (1996) to provide adequate solutions to questions raised by new
economic, social, cultural and technological developments (e.g., Internet)
• India: copyright exists until 60 years from the year in which the author dies or in which the
work was published (for cinematograph films and sound recordings)
• US Copyright Term Extension Act (1998): copyright exists for the life of the author plus 70
years and for works of corporate authorship to 120 years after creation or 95 years after
publication, whichever endpoint is earlier (Mickey Mouse Protection Act!)
• Creation equals protection
• Fair use and non-voluntary (compulsory) licenses
• Civil remedies and criminal sanctions in case of infringement
• Creative Commons