What is Copyright infringement?

April 22, 2024

The Andhra Pradesh High Court ruled that textbooks dealing with mathematical equations and science subjects do not come under copyright law, as their content is non-literary in nature.

About Copyright infringement:

  • Copyright refers to the right given by the law to creators of literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works and producers of cinematograph films and sound recordings.
  • Copyright is a bundle of rights that includes rights of reproduction, communication to the public, adaptation and translation of a work.
  • The Copyright Act of 1957 aims to safeguard creative works considered to be a creator’s intellectual property. A copyrighted work will be considered “infringed” only if a substantial part is made use of without authorisation.
  • In cases of infringement, the copyright owner can take legal action and is entitled to remedies such as injunctions and damages. The District Court concerned has the jurisdiction in civil suits regarding copyright infringement.
  • Any person who knowingly infringes or abets the infringement of the copyright in any work commits criminal offence under Section 63 of the Copyright Act.

What is Copyright Act of 1957?

  • It protects original literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works and cinematograph films and sound recordings from unauthorized uses.
  • Unlike the case with patents, copyright protects the expressions and not the ideas. There is no copyright in an idea.
  • Copyright does not ordinarily protect titles by themselves or names, short word combinations, slogans, short phrases, methods, plots or factual information. Copyright does not protect ideas or concepts. To get the protection of copyright a work must be original.