Copyright
Copyright law has become a fundamental legal instrument in securing rights for the authors of different works from being exploited by third parties. Developments in technology are presenting more issues for right holders and it is therefore crucial to have the necessary type of protection for one’s work.
The following types of works may be copyrighted:
- Artistic works
- Literary works
- Musical works
- Audio-visual works
- Databases
A work may be eligible for copyright if it satisfies the three main criteria: originality, qualification and fixation. The additional benefit to owners of works is that no registration is required to have a work protected. This protection subsists for 70 years after the end of the year in which the author dies, irrespective of the date when the work is lawfully made available to the public.