The Copyright Act, 1957 provides a statutory copyright framework in India, ensuring that registration is optional and rights arise the moment work is fixed in a tangible medium.
1. Subject Matter of Copyright (Section 13)
Copyright protection extends across three primary classes of works:
- Original Literary, Dramatic, Musical, and Artistic Works: Includes books, computer software, plays, musical compositions, paintings, drawings, and sculptures.
- Cinematograph Films: Any work of visual recording on any medium.
- Sound Recordings: A recording of sounds from which such sounds may be reproduced, regardless of the medium.
💡 Idea-Expression Dichotomy: Copyright protects only the expression of an idea, never the idea itself. An idea can be copied freely; its specific layout, structure, or text expression cannot.
2. Authors' Moral Rights (Section 57)
Independent of economic rights, and even after the assignment of copyright, an author retains Moral Rights under Section 57:
- Right of Paternity (Attribution): The right of the author to claim authorship of their work and prevent others from misattributing it.
- Right of Integrity: The right to prevent or claim damages for any distortion, mutilation, or modification of the work that would be prejudicial to their honor or reputation.