Copyright

Copyright protects the expression prototype of ideas (e.g. words and illustrations). Ideas alone are not protected. Copyright protects works like novels, computer programs, plays, sheet music and paintings. Generally, the author of a copyright work has the right to reproduce, publish, perform, communicate and adapt his work. These exclusive rights form the bundle of rights that we call copyright and enable the owner to control the commercial exploitation of his work.

The following may be protected under copyright law:

Literary works (e.g., written works, source codes of computer programs) Dramatic works (e.g.,. scripts for films and dramas) Musical works (e.g., melodies) Artistic works (e.g., paintings, photographs) Published editions of the above works Sound recordings Films Television and radio broadcasts Cable programs Performances

What is not protected by copyright?

Ideas or concepts Discoveries Procedures Methods Works or other subject matter that have not be made in a tangible form in a recording or writing

Subject matter that is not of original authorship Copyright and registered designs

When an artistic work, such as a drawing or a sculpture, is applied to a product and industrially produced (i.e. more than 50 copies of the products are produced), the copyright protection will no longer cover that artistic work. It may be protected as a registered design under the Registered Designs Act , if the registration criteria are met.