Q. What is an artistic work?

An artistic work means-
 a painting, a sculpture, a drawing (including a diagram, map, chart or plan), an engraving or a photograph, whether or not any such work possesses artistic quality;
  -a work of architecture; and
  -any other work of artistic craftsmanship.

Q. What is a musical work?

"Musical work" means a work consisting of music and includes any graphical notation of such work but does not include any words or any action intended to be sung, spoken or performed with the music. A musical work need not be written down to enjoy copyright protection.

Q. What is a sound recording?

"Sound recording" means a recording of sounds from which sounds may be produced regardless of the medium on which such recording is made or the method by which the sounds are produced. A phonogram and a CD-ROM are sound recordings.

Q. What is a cinematograph film?

"Cinematograph film" means any work of visual recording on any medium produced through a process from which a moving image may be produced by any means and includes a sound recording accompanying such visual recording and "cinematograph" shall be construed as including any work produced by any process analogous to cinematography including video films.

Q. What is meant by classification in copyright?

Like in trademark the registration is obtained class wise, similarly a copyright is registered in either of the following classes depending upon the nature of work:

• Original literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works
• Cinematograph films; and
• Sound recordings

Q. Is a Copyright assignable?

Yes. The owner of the copyright in an existing work or the prospective owner of the copyright in a future work may assign to any person the copyright either wholly or partially and either generally or subject to limitations and either for the whole term of the copyright or any part thereof.

Q. Is it necessary to register a work to claim copyright?

No. Acquisition of copyright is automatic and it does not require any formality. However, certificate of registration of copyright and the entries made therein serve as prima facie evidence in a court of law with reference to dispute relating to ownership of copyright.

Q. What is the procedure for registration of a work?

Copyright comes into existence as soon as a work is created and no formality is required to be completed for acquiring copyright. However, facilities exist for having the work registered in the Register of Copyrights maintained in the Copyright Office of the Department of Education. We at The Online Consultants, help you to register your work hassle free while sitting.

Q. Is copyright protected in perpetuity?

No. It is protected for a limited period of time.

Q. What is the term of protection of copyright?

The general rule is that copyright lasts for 60 years. In the case of original literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works the 60-year period is counted from the year following the death of the author. In the case of cinematograph films, sound recordings, photographs, posthumous publications, anonymous and pseudonymous publications, works of government and works of international organizations, the 60-year period is counted from the date of publication.

Q. List of Creative Work Protected by the Copyright law in India

1. Literary work Which includes computer program and computer databases apart from book.
2.  Sound recording or audio recorded files which could include songs, dialogues recorded etc.
3. Cinematograph film includes films, videos, cartoon films. It is advisable to include creative rights in the various agreements between parties in the initial stage itself.
4. Artistic work including a painting, a sculpture, a drawing such as a map, chart or diagram, an engraving, a photograph, architecture/ artistic craftsmanship and dramatic work.
5. Musical work meaning staff notations and written music.
   Q. What is the purpose of Copyright Registrar
6. Copyright Registrar primarily serves as an office of record, a place where claims to copyright are registered and documents related to copyright are recorded. the purpose is to furnish information about the provisions of the copyright law and the procedures for making registration, to explain the operations and practices of the Copyright Office, and to report on facts found in the public records of the Office.