Virtually all businesses interact with copyright in some way, as both creators or users. Copyright protects the expression of an idea, in different forms. These rights offer protection, in a wide range of media – like text, pictures, music or even data and software.
Whether you create a document or a work of art, or use the creations of others in your operations, copyright plays a role in your business.
Expert tip: Copyright works are created by people. When you hire someone else to create something, make sure you get rights match the needs of your business.
Expert tip: Just because you have access to someone else’s content – like a picture, video, or document – does not mean you have the right to use it. Ask before you use it. If you want to include a third party’s work in your own offerings, be prepared to pay for permission. Without the rights, you might have to pay the owner damages or even pull your offering from the market.
The rules for copyright protection – the protection length, what can and cannot be protected, and other criteria – differ from country to country. Usually, copyright protection is automatic and starts as soon as the idea is expressed, e.g. in writing, audio or digital form. The length of copyright protection can vary, but usually lasts for the author’s lifespan plus at least 50 years.
Some countries offer voluntary registration systems that can provide benefits. These include proving ownership, facilitating transactions, and starting the clock for damages. In some countries, you may not be able to enforce your rights until you register.
Copyright protects the concrete expression of an idea, but not the idea itself. Copyright protection does not extend to procedures, methods of operation or mathematical concepts as such.
A wide range of creative outputs can be protected with copyright, including:
In many cases, there are no direct costs associated with copyright protection. In some countries, you can pay for voluntary registration of your creations. There may be costs associated with protecting your copyright, like implementing technical controls in digital content.
As the copyright owner, you will need to monitor if others are using your copyrighted works or content. If you think your copyright is being used without your permission, here are some steps you can take:
Learn more about how to protect your copyright.
Expert tip: Depending on the nature of your creation, you may also be able to use other types of IP rights to protect your business interests, including industrial designs, trademarks, patents and trade secrets. Software is a good example. Source code may be protected by copyright, while the method that the source code executes may be eligible for protection with a patent in some countries.
Explore how copyright can be used to enhance your business, and find more case studies and stories.
In 2010, Australian singer/songwriter Charlton Hill and music technologist Justin Shave set up Uncanny Valley, a progressive technology company at the cutting-edge of the music industry.
Micaela Mantegna, a WIPO Academy alumna, is the world’s first “Abogamer” with unique knowledge and skills as a videogame lawyer specialized in industry policy, trends and regulations.
In Indonesia, Fast8, a young startup launched a suite of integrated software to help SMEs and middle-sized companies systematize and automatize their HR management.
