Copyright Law in India: Scope, Rights, Duration, and Transfer

Introduction 

Copyright law safeguards the intellectual creations of authors, artists, and creators by granting them exclusive legal rights over the use and exploitation of their works. In India, copyright protection extends across a wide range of creative expressions, including literary, artistic, musical, and cinematographic works, ensuring both moral recognition and economic benefit to the creator. 

What Copyright Covers? 

Copyright protection extends to: 

• Literary, dramatic and musical works (including computer programs/software as literary works).  
• Artistic works 
• Cinematographic films (including soundtracks and video films). 
• Records (any disc, tape, perforated roll or other device). 

Rights of Copyright Holders 

Literary, Dramatic or Musical Works (excluding computer programs): 

Copyright holders have the exclusive right to: 

• Reproduce the work in any material form, including electronic storage 
• Issue copies to the public (not already in circulation) 
• Perform the work publicly or communicate it to the public 
• Create cinematographic films or sound recordings of the work 
• Make translations of the work 
• Create adaptations of the work 
• Exercise any of these rights in relation to translations or adaptations 

Computer Programs: 

All rights listed above for literary works, plus: 

• Sell, hire, or offer for sale/hire any copy of the program, even if previously sold or hired. 

Artistic Works: 

• Reproduce the work (including 3D to 2D conversions and vice versa). 
• Communicate the work to the public. 
• Issue copies to the public (not already in circulation). 
• Include the work in cinematographic films. 
• Make adaptations. 
• Exercise these rights in relation to adaptations. 

Cinematographic Films: 

• Make copies, including photographs of any image. 
• Sell, hire, or offer for sale/hire any copy, regardless of previous sales. 
• Communicate the film to the public. 

Sound Recordings: 

• Make other sound recordings embodying it. 
• Sell, hire, or offer for sale/hire any copy, regardless of previous sales. 
• Communicate the recording to the public. 

Term of Copyright Protection 

• Literary works published during author's lifetime: Author's lifetime plus 60 years.  
• Films, records, photographs, posthumous publications, anonymous works, government and international agency works: 60 years from the beginning of the calendar year following publication. 
• Broadcasts: 25 years from the beginning of the calendar year following the broadcast. 

Transfer of Copyright 

Copyright owners (current or prospective) may assign copyright wholly or partially: 

• Geographically: for the entire world or specific countries/territories. 
• Temporally: for the full copyright term or part thereof. 
• Substantively: relating to all rights or only specific rights comprising the copyright. 

Conclusion 

Copyright serves as a vital legal mechanism to encourage creativity and innovation by protecting original works from unauthorized use. By defining the scope of protected works, enumerating exclusive rights, prescribing the term of protection, and allowing structured transfer of rights, copyright law strikes a balance between the interests of creators and the public at large.