Copyright is the process which describes the process of giving legal rights to creators of artistic works. All these works, from novels, plays, newspapers to drawings, sculptures, advertisements, etc., are called artistic works. Even music, technical drawing and computer programs can receive copyrights, as they are part of the artistic works too.
Copyright is important to the creativity of every people. It gives them incentives either in the forms of fair monetary rewards or recognition. The creators are rest assured that they are protected from piracy or unauthorized copying thus they can distribute their works without fear. In return, it enhances knowledge, entertainment, and culture enjoyment across the globe.
Everybody who creates something knows how much time and financial investment it needs. Also, a creation can only be made public through distribution and with the help of the media. Media means any form of publication, recordings, films, etc. Some people use the royalties system; it means that they will sell their work to a company that can use its marketing to obtain profits by selling their products.
The WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) states that these companies receive rights only fifty years after the death of the creator, but in some cases the national law can extend the time limit. This helps the creators and their heirs to obtain profit for some time. This treaty also includes moral rights, like the right of claiming authorship or protecting their reputation if changes are made that may harm it.
The national legislation of each country gives any individual copyrights. In some cases international treaties may be parts of national laws to make sure that no discrimination is made. It is better for every creator who is interested in these legal matters to consult the National Copyright Administration or CLEA (Collection of Laws for Electronic Access).
WIPO, an intergovernmental organization is administering lots of treaties internationally which is associated to intellectual property rights, requests, and government advice. However, it is mandatory for WIPO to give non-governmental organizations or private persons legal advice. It is much better to consult a copyright lawyer for specific matters.
Even before official procedures were introduced copyrights existed. In the Berne Convention it is stated that artistic works are protected without any official procedures, and they are protected now if the country recognizes and uses this convention.
There are national offices where people can register because the WIPO does not help you with the copyright registration. Registering your work may have some benefits: you can become known, your work is distinguished from other works, and you can use your rights in court if someone makes illegal moves on your work.
A trademark is a word, device, symbol, name, or combination of any of these elements intended or used in business to distinguish and identify the products of one company or seller from products sold or manufactured by others, and indicate sources of the products. To make it simple, a brand name defines a trademark.
Trademark registration is not an obligation, but people can obtain some benefits if they register their trademark: recognition, full rights, a basis to international trademark registration or the right to invoke federal courts. Also it helps a lot if people know the difference between copyright and trademark.
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