Copyright is a protection given for authors of literary and artistic works. Copyright is secured for books, music, novels, poems, plays, reference works, newspaper articles, painting, architecture, sculpture, films, computer programs, software, mobile app, advertisements etc.
Copyright protection can be obtained through registration in national or regional Copyright office of each country/territory by filing an application and paying the prescribed fees. However, according to the Berne Convention, copyright protection granted in any member country will automatically extend protection into other member countries worldwide. Most countries have Copyright registration system to allow for the voluntary registration of works. Such voluntary registration systems can help solve disputes over ownership or creation, as well as facilitate financial transactions, sales, and the assignment and/or transfer of rights.
Copyright owner enjoys the exclusive right of using the works it is granted for and the right to prevent others from commercially exploiting the same works. This implies that the Copyright can be exclusively used by its owner, or licensed to another party for use in return for payment. Registration provides legal certainty and strengthens the position of the right holder in case of infringement and litigation.
The validity of Copyright registration as per Berne Convention is usually lifetime of the Author and 50 years after the death of Author.
⦁ A Copyright gives you the right to stop others from copying, manufacturing, selling or importing your works without your permission.
⦁ Registered Copyright increases business prospective and its commercial applicability.
⦁ Copyright provides “concrete proof” of your legally protected rights.
⦁ Copyright is an intellectual intangible asset and investment of your business and it has monetary value.
⦁ A Copyright Increases profits and prices: because you can stop others from selling a competitive alternative works, you can charge more for your product.
Copyright Agent is not mandatory but recommended because it is a complex matter that needs legal advices and careful handling of registration process. Certain countries like UAE, an Agent only can register a patent on behalf of foreign applicants.