You Craft the Work. We Prove the Ownership.
Copyright protection is automatic, but evidence is essential. We assist with Voluntary Notification to provide prima facie evidence of your ownership and creation date. From literary and musical works to software and architectural designs, we help you establish a legal foothold to prevent unauthorized reproduction.
A Copyright (Voluntary Notification) provides crucial evidence of ownership and creation date.
Copyright grants exclusive rights to prevent others from:
- Importing articles into the countries for trade or financial gain.
- Reproducing, performing, distributing, or publicly exhibiting the work for commercial purposes.
- Offering for sale or rent, or possessing for non-private use, any infringing copy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does copyright protection last?
The duration of copyright protection varies depending on the type of work and the country. In Malaysia, under the Copyright Act 1987:
- Literary, Musical, or Artistic Works: Generally, copyright lasts for the lifetime of the author plus 50 years after their death.
- Films, Sound Recordings, and Broadcasts: Copyright typically lasts for 50 years from the date of publication or first broadcast.
- Government Works: Copyright lasts for 50 years from the date of publication.
What types of works are protected by copyright?
Copyright protects a wide range of creative expressions, including:
- Literary Works: Books, articles, poems, computer programs, websites, databases.
- Musical Works: Compositions, lyrics.
- Dramatic Works: Plays, screenplays, accompanying music.
- Artistic Works: Paintings, drawings, photographs, architectural designs, maps, charts.
- Films/Audiovisual Works: Movies, television shows, video recordings.
- Sound Recordings: Recorded performances.
What is NOT protected by copyright?
Copyright does not protect ideas, facts, procedures, methods of operation, concepts, principles, discoveries, or short phrases/titles. For example, the idea for a science fiction novel is not copyrightable, but the specific written novel itself is.
What constitutes copyright infringement?
Copyright infringement happens when someone uses a copyrighted work without permission, like copying, sharing, performing, displaying, or changing it.
Who owns the copyright in a work?
Generally, the person who creates a work owns its copyright first. However, if an employee creates something as part of their job, their employer usually owns the copyright. For commissioned works (e.g., a photographer hired to take pictures), the creator keeps the copyright unless a written agreement says otherwise.
How can I grant permission for others to use my copyrighted work?
You can grant permission through a license agreement.
What are the remedies for copyright infringement in Malaysia?
The court can award:
- Damages: Money to cover losses.
- Injunctions: Orders to stop the infringement.
- Account of Profits: Infringer’s profits given to the owner.
- Delivery Up: Infringing copies surrendered.
Does copyright provide international protection?
Yes, to a significant extent. Due to international treaties like the Berne Convention, copyright protection generally extends across signatory countries. However, enforcement and specific rights can vary by jurisdiction.
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