UNIT – III

Law of Copy Rights

Fundamental of copy right law, originality of material, rights of reproduction, rights to perform
the work publicly, copy right ownership issues, copy right registration, notice of copy right,
international copy right law.

INTRODUCTION
Definition:
Copyright is a legal right given to the creator of original works such as literary, artistic, musical,
or software creations. It protects the creator’s expression of ideas from being copied, used, or
distributed without permission.
According to the Copyright Act, 1957 (India), copyright gives the owner exclusive rights to
reproduce, publish, perform, and communicate their work to the public.
Purpose of Copyright:
The main purpose of copyright is to:
Encourage creativity and innovation by rewarding creators. Protect
the economic and moral rights of authors and inventors. Prevent
unauthorized use or copying of creative works.
Promote knowledge sharing while ensuring fair use.
Works Protected under Copyright:
Copyright protection applies to:
1. Literary works – books, articles, software code, etc.
2. Artistic works – paintings, drawings, designs, photographs.
3. Musical works – songs, lyrics, compositions.
4. Cinematograph films – movies, short films, videos.
5. Sound recordings – audio content, podcasts.
6. Computer programs and software – source code and databases.
Rights of Copyright Owner:
The owner enjoys exclusive rights, such as:
➢ Right to reproduce the work.
➢ Right to distribute or sell copies.
➢ Right to perform or display the work publicly.
➢ Right to make translations or adaptations.
These rights can also be licensed or transferred to others for commercial benefit.
Duration of Copyright:
For literary, musical, artistic, and software works, lifetime of the author + 60 years after their
death. (Copyright Duration = Lifetime of the author + 60 years after death)
For films and sound recordings, it is 60 years from publication date.
Limitations and Exceptions (Fair Use):
Certain uses are allowed without permission, such as:
• Educational or research purposes.
• Review or criticism.
• News reporting.
• Private study or classroom teaching.
This is known as the “Fair Use” doctrine.
Example:
If a software engineer creates a new program, others cannot copy or sell it without permission.
However, someone can use small portions of the code for academic learning, which is
considered fair use.
Conclusion:
The law of copyright plays a vital role in protecting intellectual creations. It ensures that
creators receive recognition and financial benefits, while also promoting knowledge and
innovation in society. For engineers, especially in software and design fields, understanding
copyright helps avoid legal violations and encourages ethical use of creative content.
FUNDAMENTAL OF COPY RIGHT LAW
1. Concept:
Copyright means the exclusive legal right to do or authorize others to do certain acts in relation
to original works of authorship. It protects the expression of ideas, not the ideas themselves.
Example:
If two people independently write similar programs to perform the same task, both can hold
copyrights as long as they write their own code.
2. Objectives of Copyright Law:
• To encourage creativity and innovation.
• To recognize and reward the efforts of creators.
• To prevent unauthorized reproduction or misuse.
• To balance the interests of creators and the public (through fair use).
• To promote dissemination of knowledge.
3. Nature and Scope of Copyright: The nature of copyright means what it actually is and
what it protects. The scope explains where and how copyright applies.
 • Copyright protects original expression, not facts or ideas.
• It covers both economic rights (to earn money) and moral rights (to protect the
creator’s reputation).
• It applies automatically once a work is fixed in a tangible form (written, recorded, or
saved).
• Copyright applies both to traditional works (books, art, music) and modern
creations (software, databases, digital content).
4. Works Protected under Copyright Act, 1957:
The Act classifies works into six categories:
1. Literary works – books, articles, software programs, databases.
2. Dramatic works – plays, scripts.
3. Musical works – melodies, compositions.
4. Artistic works – paintings, drawings, architecture.
5. Cinematograph films – movies, videos, animations.
6. Sound recordings – songs, podcasts, audio works.
5. Rights of Copyright Owners:
The law grants the following exclusive rights:
• Right of reproduction: To make copies of the work.
• Right of communication to the public: To perform or display publicly.
• Right of adaptation: To modify or translate the work.
• Right of distribution: To sell, rent, or distribute copies.
• Right of moral integrity: To claim authorship and prevent distortion of the work.
Example:
A software developer can prevent others from copying or selling their code without
permission.
6. Ownership and Transfer of Copyright:
• The creator is the first owner of the copyright.
• In case of employment, the employer may own the rights if created as part of job
duties.
• Copyright can be transferred, sold, or licensed to another person or organization.
• Transfer must be in writing and signed by both parties.
7. Duration of Copyright Protection:
• Literary, artistic, musical works: Lifetime of the author + 60 years after their death.
• Cinematograph films and sound recordings: 60 years from the year of publication.
• Anonymous or pseudonymous works: 60 years from publication.
8. Infringement of Copyright: Here the term infringement refers to “illegal use of others’
copyrighted work”.
Infringement occurs when someone uses, copies, sells, or publishes the copyrighted work
without permission.
Examples:
• Copying a software program and selling it.
• Uploading copyrighted movies or songs on the internet without authorization.
• Using someone’s artwork in advertisements without credit.
Legal Consequences:
• Fine up to ₹2,00,000 or imprisonment up to 3 years (for first offense).
• Seizure and destruction of infringing copies.
9. Exceptions (Doctrine of Fair Use): It refers to some limited use of copyrighted material is
allowed without taking permission from the copyright owner only if it is used for a fair and
genuine purpose like education, research, review, criticism, news reporting, or personal study.
Using someone’s work fairly and reasonably for learning, comment or creativity not
for profit or copying the whole work. It acts as an exception to copyright infringement.
The law allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission for:
• Private or educational use
• Research and criticism
• News reporting or review
• Use by libraries and archives
This helps maintain a balance between creator’s rights and public interest.
10. Importance of Copyright for Engineers:
• Protects software, designs, and technical documents.
• Prevents piracy and plagiarism.
• Helps in commercialization of creative projects or apps.
• Encourages ethical innovation and respect for others’ intellectual property.

Example (India): R.G. Anand vs. Deluxe Films (1978):

The court ruled that similar ideas are not infringement unless the expression (story, script,
or design) is directly copied. This case clarified that copyright protects expression, not ideas.
Conclusion:

The fundamentals of copyright law aim to protect creativity while ensuring public access to
knowledge.
It provides legal recognition to creators, including engineers developing software, designs, or
digital tools.
Understanding copyright helps engineers to innovate responsibly, avoid violations, and
respect intellectual property in professional practice.

ORIGINALITY OF MATERIAL

Concept
• Originality means the work must originate from the author and must show some
amount of creativity, skill, or judgment.
• It does not mean that the work has to be completely new or unique in the world. It
simply must not be copied from another source.
• Example: Two students may draw the same flower; each drawing can be copyrighted
if drawn independently.

Legal Basis

Under the Indian Copyright Act, 1957 originality is not precisely defined but courts have
interpreted it through various judgments.
The Act protects original literary, artistic, musical, dramatic works, films, and sound
recordings.

Judicial Interpretations (Important Cases)

(a) Macmillan & Co.v.K.& [Link] (1924)

• The court held that a work is original if the author used skill, labour, and judgment to
produce it.
• Even if the material already exists, a new arrangement or presentation using personal
skill can be original.

(b) Eastern Book Company v. D.B. Modak (2008)

• Supreme Court of India introduced the “modicum of creativity” test.

• It means originality requires a minimum level of creativity beyond just hard work or
compilation.
• Mere sweat of the brow (effort without creativity) is not enough.

Test Meaning Example

Sweat of the Brow Focuses on the author’s effort, Typing or compiling a large directory of
Test labour, and skill. names (older UK approach).
Modicum of Focuses on creativity or Writing a story or designing a logo that
Creativity intellectual input. shows thought and imagination.
Test
Tests of Originality: There are two main approaches used in different countries and Indian
courts combine both. A work can be considered original if:

1. It is independently created by the author (not copied).

2. It shows some creative expression or skill.
3. It is fixed in a tangible form (written, recorded, painted, etc.).
4. It reflects the personality and intellectual effort of the author.

Examples

Field Example of Original Work Explanation

Software Writing your own code or Protected because it involves creativity
Engineering algorithm and logic.
Designing a unique bridge or Original if developed using your own
Civil/Mechanical
machine drawing skill.
Electronics Creating a new PCB layout Original layout design can be
copyrighted.
Preparing a technical report or Protected if written using your own
Research
paper analysis and results.

Importance of Originality in Copyright

• Encourages innovation and creativity.

• Prevents unauthorized copying or misuse of others’ work.
• Ensures that creators get recognition and economic rights.
• Builds respect for intellectual labour in academic and industrial fields.

Conclusion

Originality is the heart of copyright protection.

It ensures that only those works which involve independent creation and a minimum level of
creativity get legal protection. A work is original if it originates from the author, shows
independent skill and is not copied from another source.
For engineers and researchers, maintaining originality in their designs, code, and research ensures
ethical innovation and intellectual respect.
RIGHTS OF REPRODUCTION

Right of Reproduction (Concept)

• The Right of Reproduction means that the copyright owner alone has the right to
make copies or reproduce the work in any material form.
• Others can do so only with the owner’s authorization.
• This applies to literary, artistic, musical, cinematographic, and software works.

Legal Provision

Under Section 14 of the Indian Copyright Act, 1957, the owner of a copyright has the
exclusive right:
To reproduce the work in any material form including the storing of it in any medium by
electronic means. This section covers all types of works such as:

• Literary works – books, computer programs, reports

• Artistic works – drawings, photographs, designs
• Musical works – notations, sound recordings
• Cinematograph films and sound recordings

Scope of Reproduction Right: Reproduction can take place in many forms:

Form of Description
Reproduction
Printed Copies Making physical copies (books, manuals, blueprints).
Photocopy / Scanning Reproducing through photocopy or digital scanning.
Digital Copying Saving or uploading to computer systems, websites, or cloud
storage.
Recording / Copying songs, films, or lectures to digital devices.
Downloading
Software Duplication Copying program files or source code without license.

Even temporary copies, like cached files on a computer, may be treated as reproduction in
certain contexts.

Examples

Field Example of Reproduction Explanation

Compute Copying a copyrighted software or code Violates reproduction rights of the
r Science from GitHub without permission. software developer.
Duplicating a microcontroller’s Firmware is a literary work; copying
Electronics
firmware written by another engineer. it needs permission.
Mechanical Reproducing a CAD design or blueprint Protected as an artistic work; copying
/ Civil created by another engineer. without consent is infringement.
Academic Photocopying an entire textbook or Allowed only in limited educational
/ Research research paper for distribution. exceptions.

Exceptions (Fair Use)

Certain uses of reproduction are not considered infringement, such as:

1. Private or personal use (e.g., making one copy for self-study).

2. Research or education purposes in limited quantity.
3. Review, criticism, or reporting of current events.
4. Judicial proceedings or government use.

Example:
A student copying few pages of a textbook for exam preparation is fair use; but
copying the entire book or distributing it is infringement.
Infringement of Right of Reproduction

If someone reproduces the work without permission, it is copyright infringement. The

owner can take legal action seeking:

• Injunction (to stop further copying)

• Damages or compensation
• Seizure or destruction of copied material

Example:
If an engineering college duplicate licensed software for lab uses without purchasing licenses,
it infringes the reproduction right.

Importance of Reproduction Right

• Protects creators and innovators from unauthorized duplication.

• Encourages creativity by ensuring authors get proper reward.
• Supports originality in engineering design, code, and research.
• Helps industries and academia maintain ethical standards.

Overview

Aspect Key Point

Definition Exclusive right to make copies of a
copyrighted work.
Law Section Section 14, Indian Copyright Act, 1957.
Owner’s Control Only the creator can permit reproduction.
Exceptions Fair use for education, research, review.
Infringement Copying software or CAD drawings without
Example consent.

Conclusion

The Right of Reproduction is the core foundation of copyright protection.

It safeguards the intellectual and creative efforts of engineers, authors, artists, and
developers.
By respecting this right, we promote a culture of innovation, ethics, and fairness in both
academic and industrial environments.
(or)

The Right of Reproduction gives the copyright owner exclusive control to make copies of their
work in any form like print, digital, or mechanical.
Unauthorized copying amounts to infringement, except in cases of fair use for personal,
educational, or research purposes.

RIGHTS TO PERFORM THE WORK PUBLICLY

Concept: To perform publicly means to present or display a copyrighted work to an audience

beyond a private circle such as family or friends. It includes live performances, broadcasts,
screenings, presentations, or playing music/video in public spaces.
Example:
Playing a movie or song in a theatre, restaurant, or college event without the copyright holder’s
permission is a public performance.

Legal Provision

Under Section 14 of the Indian Copyright Act, 1957, the copyright owner has the exclusive
right to perform the work in public, or communicate it to the public.
This applies to literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works, as well as cinematograph films
and sound recordings.

Scope of the Right:

The Right to Perform Publicly includes:

Type of Work Examples of Public Performance

Literary Work Reading a novel or poem aloud in a seminar or public event.
Musical Work Performing a song, or playing recorded music in public places.
Dramatic Work Staging a drama or play for an audience.
Cinematograph Film Screening a movie in a cinema hall or during a public function.
Computer Programs / Demonstrating a software product publicly or using licensed
Software software during a tech fest.

Examples

Field Example Explanation

Demonstrating a copyrighted software or
Compute Violates the copyright owner’s
multimedia project publicly without
r Science public performance right.
permission.
Displaying a copyrighted tech video or Requires authorization from the
Electronic
promotional film during a college event. creator.
s
Mechanical Showing a copyrighted design animation Needs permission to publicly
/ Civil or simulation at a public exhibition. perform or communicate the
work.
General Playing songs or movies during college Needs a performance license if
(Campus Use) fests or hostel events. it’s open to the public.

Public vs Private Performance

Private Performance Public Performance

Done for personal or family use. Done before a large audience or public gathering.
Example: Watching a movie at home. Example: Screening a movie in college or theatre.
No permission required. Permission or license required.
Exceptions (Fair Use)

The Copyright Act allows certain limited exceptions:

1. Educational use – Teachers or students performing a work for classroom teaching.

2. Religious or charitable events – If not for profit.
3. Government use or judicial proceedings – When used for official purposes.
4. Private performance – Within family or close group.

Example:
A student reciting a copyrighted poem in class as part of an assignment is fair use, but organizing
a college-level competition using the same poem for the public is public performance and needs
permission.

Infringement of Public Performance Right

If a person performs or communicates a work publicly without authorization, it is copyright

infringement.
The owner can take legal action such as:

• Injunction – to stop the performance

• Damages or compensation
• Penalty or imprisonment (in serious cases)

Example:
If a college plays a copyrighted movie during its cultural fest without obtaining a screening
license, it infringes the producer’s public performance right.

Importance of the Right

• Protects the economic interests of artists and producers.

• Ensures creators receive royalties or licenses for their public works.
• Promotes ethical and legal usage of creative materials in society.
• Encourages innovation and respect for intellectual effort.

Conclusion

The Right to Perform the Work Publicly is a fundamental aspect of copyright protection.
It ensures that creative works are not exploited publicly without the creator’s consent and that
fair rewards reach the rightful owners.
For engineering students and professionals, it emphasizes the importance of ethical use of digital
media, software, and creative content in academic and professional activities.

(OR)

The Right to Perform the Work Publicly gives the copyright owner the exclusive authority to
present or display their work to the public.
Any unauthorized public use like playing music, screening films, or demonstrating
copyrighted software is copyright infringement unless it falls under fair use exceptions.
 COPYRIGHT OWNERSHIP ISSUES

Concept:

• The owner of copyright is the person or entity that holds the legal rights to use,
reproduce, and distribute the work.
• Generally, the author or creator of the work is the first owner, unless the law or an
agreement state.

Example:
If an engineer writes a program, they are the author and copyright owner — unless it was
written for their employer.

Legal Provision:

According to Section 17 of the Indian Copyright Act, 1957.

The author of a work shall be the first owner of the copyright therein, unless there is an agreement
to the contrary.
This section also provides exceptions, where someone other than the author becomes the
owner.

Types of Ownership Situations

1. Individual Ownership: The author or creator is the first and sole owner of the work.

Example: A student develops a new software project independently — they own the
copyright.

2. Joint Ownership: When two or more people create a work together, and their
contributions cannot be separated. All joint authors are co-owners of the copyright.

Example: Two engineers jointly design a circuit layout — both are joint owners.

3. Employer–Employee Relationship: If an employee creates a work as part of their job,

the employer becomes the copyright owner (unless agreed otherwise).

Example: A software developer working in a company writes code for a project and the company
owns the copyright, not the employee.

4. Commissioned Work: When a person is hired or paid to create a work, the person who
commissions the work owns the copyright.

Example: A company pays an engineer to design a product brochure it specifies that the company
owns it.

5. Government Works: Works made or published under the direction or control of the
government are owned by the government.

Example: Research reports or manuals published by a government lab.

6. Works for Public Undertakings: If the work is created for a public sector organization,
that organization owns the copyright.

Example: Software written for Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) under employment belongs
to BEL.

7. Educational Institutions: If a student or faculty creates a work as part of a university

project or funded research, the institution may claim partial ownership depending on
policy.

Example: A [Link] student builds an AI model under a college-funded project — both

student and institution may share copyright.

Ownership Transfer (Assignment and Licensing)

Even after owning a copyright, the owner can transfer or share rights with others:

Mode Description Example

Permanent transfer of ownership to another
Assignment Selling software rights to a firm.
person or company.
Temporary or conditional permission to use Giving another team permission to
License
the work. use your code.

Ownership Issues in Engineering and Technology

Ownership Issue
Area Explanation
Example
Software Developer vs. A programmer builds code during office hours
Development Company — company owns it.
If funded by institute, rights may belong to the
Research Projects Student vs. Institution
institute.
Collaborative All contributors share ownership unless agreed
Team Members
Work otherwise.
Depends on the contract — ownership lies with
Freelance Design Freelancer vs. Client
whoever is specified.

Common Disputes in Ownership

• Lack of written agreement between creators and employers.

• Misunderstanding between collaborators.
• Software ownership when developed on company resources.
• Institutional claims on student or faculty research.

Importance of Clear Ownership

• Avoids legal conflicts and infringement claims.

• Ensures fair credit and royalties for the actual creator.
 • Builds trust between employers, institutions, and innovators.
• Encourages innovation and collaboration in research and engineering.

Conclusion

Ownership issues in copyright are critical in the modern innovation ecosystem.

In engineering and technology, where multiple people contribute to a single work, it is
essential to clearly define ownership through contracts or agreements.
Proper understanding of ownership promotes ethical use, credit sharing, and legal
protection of intellectual creations.

(OR)

Under Section 17 of the Indian Copyright Act, the author is the first owner of copyright unless
the work is created under employment, commission, or government direction.
Ownership clarity is essential to avoid disputes and ensure fair recognition in engineering and
research works.

COPYRIGHT REGISTRATION

Definition: Copyright registration is the official recording of a creator’s claim of ownership

for a literary, artistic, musical, or software work with the Copyright Office, Government of
India. It provides:

• Legal evidence of ownership.

• Public record of the author and the work.
• Easier protection and enforcement in case of infringement.

Legal Basis

• Section 44 to 50 of the Indian Copyright Act, 1957 deal with the registration of
copyright.
• The registration is handled by the Copyright Office, under the Department for
Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), New Delhi.

Works That Can Be Registered

Type of Work Examples

Literary Work Technical reports, research papers, software code, user manuals.
Artistic Work CAD drawings, project posters, circuit diagrams.
Musical Work Background music used in project videos.
Cinematograph Film Educational videos, project documentaries.
Computer Programs AI models, apps, machine learning code, firmware.
Procedure for Copyright Registration

Step Description
Step 1: Application Fill Form XIV online at [Link].
Step 2: Fee Payment Pay the prescribed fee based on type of work (₹500–₹5,000).
Step 3: Diary Number After submission, a Diary Number is issued.
Step 4: Waiting Period A 30-day period is given for any objections.
Step 5: Examination Registrar reviews the application and documents.
Step 6: Registration & If approved, the work is entered in the Register of Copyrights and
Certificate a certificate is issued.

Documents Required

• Application form with signature.

• Copies/samples of the work (soft or hard copy).
• Proof of authorship or ownership (employment/commission letter if applicable).
• NOC (No Objection Certificate) if joint work or third-party content used.
• Fee receipt.

Benefits of Registration

Benefit Explanation
Legal Proof of Ownership Serves as evidence in court if someone copies your work.
Public Record Helps others identify the original author.
Easier Licensing Simplifies assigning or selling rights.
Protection Against Infringement Easier to claim damages or injunction.
Moral Recognition Gives official acknowledgment of creativity.

Examples

Field Example Benefit

Computer Registering a machine learning Prevents others from copying the
Science software or mobile app. code.
Registering embedded firmware or Proves ownership during patent
Electronics
circuit design diagrams. filings or disputes.
Civil / Registering 3D design blueprints or Protects originality in project or
Mechanical architectural plans. consultancy work.
Academic Registering a final-year research report Ensures your academic work is
Projects or project video. officially recorded.

Important Points

• Registration is not mandatory, but highly recommended.

• It does not create copyright; it only confirms it legally.
 • Valid across India and recognized internationally under the Berne Convention.
• Copyright is usually valid for the author’s lifetime + 60 years after death.

Conclusion

Copyright registration acts as a shield of protection for creators, engineers, and innovators.
Though not compulsory, it is a valuable legal safeguard against copying or misuse.
For engineering students, registering software, designs, and reports ensures recognition,
credit, and legal security for their intellectual efforts.

(OR)

Copyright registration is the legal process of recording ownership of an original work under
the Copyright Act, 1957.
It provides official proof, helps in infringement protection, and supports innovation by
recognizing the creator’s rights.

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT

Concept: A copyright notice is a label or statement displayed on a copyrighted work

indicating that it is protected and owned by a specific person or organization.
It tells others that:

• The work is protected by copyright law.

• The owner claims exclusive rights.
• Unauthorized use may lead to legal action.

Legal Basis

• Under the Indian Copyright Act, 1957, copyright protection is automatic when the
work is created — registration or notice is not mandatory.
• However, Section 51 and Section 63 mention that a person who knowingly infringes a
copyright after seeing a notice is liable for penalties.
• Hence, notice helps in proving that the infringer was aware of the copyright.

Purpose of Copyright Notice

Purpose Explanation
Public Awareness Tells people that the work is protected and cannot be freely copied.
Legal Evidence Helps in court cases as proof of ownership and notice to the infringer.
Deterrence Discourages others from copying or misusing the work.
Professionalism Adds credibility to creative or technical works.
Ownership Clarity Clearly shows who holds the rights to the work.
Components of a Copyright Notice

A standard copyright notice usually includes three elements:

Component Meaning / Example

Copyright Symbol “©” for written works, “℗” for sound recordings.
Year of Publication The first year when the work was made public (e.g., 2025).
Name of Owner The person or organization that owns the rights.

Where to Place the Notice

Type of Work Location of Notice

Books / Reports On the title page or last page.
Software / Apps In the splash screen, about page, or code header.
Websites At the bottom (footer) of each page.
Drawings / Designs Near the border or signature area.
Videos / Presentations In the opening or closing credits.

Examples

Field Example of Use Explanation

Computer © 2025 Rahul Kumar. Python-based Protects code and documentation
Science Face Detection System. from copying.
© 2025 Ananya Tech Labs. IoT Device Shows ownership of embedded
Electronics
Firmware. software.
Civil / © 2025 Suresh Designs. Bridge CAD Prevents unauthorized use of
Mechanical Blueprint. design drawings.
Academic / © 2025 XYZ Engineering College. Ensures credit for academic
Research Final Year Project Report. projects.

Importance of Copyright Notice

• Creates public knowledge of legal ownership.

• Strengthens legal protection in case of infringement.
• Prevents innocent infringement by informing potential users.
• Useful in global protection since most countries recognize notice under the Berne
Convention.
• Enhances professional recognition for engineers, developers, and researchers.

Conclusion

The notice of copyright is a simple yet powerful tool for protecting creative and technical works.
While copyright protection exists automatically, displaying a notice helps inform, warn, and
legally strengthen the author’s rights.
For engineering students, including a copyright notice in project reports, software, and
designs promotes ethical innovation and intellectual honesty.

(or)

A Copyright Notice is a public declaration that a work is protected by copyright.

It typically includes the symbol ©, year of publication, and name of the owner Though not
compulsory, it provides legal and moral protection by warning others against unauthorized
use.

INTERNATIONAL COPY RIGHT LAW

Concept:

International copyright law consists of agreements and treaties between countries to recognize
and protect the copyright of foreign works.
It ensures that a creator’s rights are respected beyond their home country, preventing
unauthorized copying or exploitation internationally.

Major International Treaties

1. Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works (1886)
➢ Provides automatic copyright protection in member countries without
formal registration.
➢ Requires minimum protection standards, e.g., life of the author + 50 years
(India gives +60 years).
➢ Ensures national treatment, i.e., foreign works get the same protection as
domestic works.
2. Universal Copyright Convention (UCC, 1952)
➢ Developed by UNESCO to help countries not part of Berne protect foreign
works.
➢ Encourages formal notice (©) for recognition in some countries.
3. WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT, 1996)
➢ Focuses on digital works and internet-based creations.
➢ Protects computer programs, databases, and online publications.
4. TRIPS Agreement (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, 1994)
➢ Administered by the World Trade Organization (WTO).
➢ Sets minimum standards for copyright protection globally.

Key Features of International Copyright Law

Feature Explanation
Automatic
No need for registration in member countries (Berne principle).
Protection
National Treatment Foreign authors receive the same rights as domestic authors.
Minimum Duration Copyright must last at least 50 years after the author’s death.
Countries agree to respect the copyright of works from other members.
Reciprocity
 Feature Explanation
Digital Protection Covers software, multimedia, and online publications.

Examples

Field Example Explanation

Software Indian engineer creates a International treaties protect the app
Development mobile app available globally. from unauthorized copying abroad.
Publishing a technical paper Berne Convention ensures copyright
Research Paper
online in IEEE journals. protection in other member countries.
WIPO treaties prevent foreign entities
CAD designs or 3D models
Digital Designs from reproducing designs without
shared internationally.
permission.
Online Tutorials / Educational videos on WCT ensures protection from illegal
Videos platforms like YouTube. global downloads or copying.

Importance of International Copyright Law

• Protects creators beyond national borders.

• Encourages innovation and global collaboration.
• Prevents unauthorized copying, distribution, or piracy worldwide.
• Supports ethical and legal sharing of software, research, and multimedia.
• Provides legal remedies for international infringement.

Conclusion

International copyright law ensures that creators, engineers, researchers, and innovators are
legally protected globally.
For engineering students, understanding international treaties is important when publishing
software, research papers, or designs online or collaborating with foreign institutions.
It ensures that creativity and innovation receive worldwide recognition and protection.

(or)

International copyright law protects creative works across countries through treaties like
Berne Convention, WCT, UCC, and TRIPS.
It provides automatic protection, national treatment, and minimum duration of
copyright, ensuring global recognition for authors, engineers, and researchers.