Copyright Basics

What is protected by copyright?

The Copyright Act divides the materials protected into two categories: works and other subject matter. The rules applying to the two categories are different – for example, the length and scope of copyright protection differs for the two different categories. Examples of the two categories include:

a. Works

Artistic Works Literary Works Musical Works Dramatic Works
paintings
sculptures
graphics
cartoons
etchings
lithographs
photography
drawings
plans
maps
diagrams
charts
buildings
models of buildings
moulds and casts
for sculptures
novels
text books
newspaper articles
magazine articles
journals
poems
song lyrics
timetables
technical manuals
instruction manuals
computer software
computer games
anthologies
directories
databases
melodies
song music
pop songs
advertising jingles
film score
plays
screenplays
mime
choreography

b. Other Subject Matter

Films Sound Recordings Broadcasts Published Editions
films
video recordings
DVDs
television programs
advertisements
music videos
online films and videos
digital recordings vinyl
CD
DVD
audio cassette tapes
radio
television
typesetting (the layout and look of a publication)

 

Download