Copyright plays an important role in protecting original creative expression across literature, art, music, films, software, digital content and other forms of authorship. For creators, businesses, technology companies, media organisations, publishers and digital platforms, copyright is increasingly connected not only with protection against unauthorised use, but also with licensing, commercialisation, content distribution, technology development and brand value.
India has a comprehensive statutory framework for copyright protection under the Copyright Act, 1957 and the Copyright Rules, 2013, as amended from time to time. The law protects literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works, cinematograph films and sound recordings, and also recognises related rights such as performers’ rights and moral rights. Copyright protection generally arises automatically upon creation of a qualifying work, although registration may provide important evidentiary and practical advantages.
The copyright landscape continues to evolve as creative works are increasingly created, distributed and consumed through digital platforms, streaming services, software environments and artificial intelligence-enabled technologies. Questions relating to authorship, ownership, licensing, intermediary liability, digital infringement and the use of copyrighted material in emerging technologies are therefore becoming increasingly important for both rights holders and users.
This publication provides a practical overview of the Indian copyright framework, including protectable subject matter, authorship and ownership, registration, rights and term of protection, exceptions and permitted uses, licensing and commercialisation, digital and technology-related issues, infringement and enforcement, and the interaction of copyright with other intellectual property rights.
The objective is to provide creators, businesses, in-house counsel, technology companies and intellectual property professionals with a clear understanding of the legal principles governing copyright protection in India and the practical considerations involved in creating, protecting, using, licensing and enforcing copyrighted works.
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