Copyright is a legal right that protects original works of authorship like books, music, films, software, paintings, and other creative works.
It gives the creator exclusive rights to use, reproduce, distribute, and display their work.
(Source: Wikipedia – Copyright, Investopedia)
Why is Copyright Needed?
- Protects Creativity: Ensures that creators are rewarded for their original work.
- Exclusive Rights: Allows the creator to control how their work is used.
- Encourages Innovation: By protecting rights, people are motivated to create more.
- Economic Benefit: Creators can earn money through sales, licensing, or royalties.
- Prevents Unauthorized Use: Copyright helps stop others from copying or misusing creative work without permission.
Copyright Law in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, copyright is governed by the Copyright Act, 2000 (amended in 2005).
Key points:
- Managed by the Copyright Office Bangladesh (Copyright Office website).
- Protects literary, musical, dramatic, artistic, cinematographic, and software works.
- Copyright protection exists automatically once a work is created, but registration strengthens legal claims.
- The usual duration of copyright is the lifetime of the author plus 60 years after their death.
Copyright protects original creative works like books, music, films, and software, giving the creator exclusive rights to use and profit from their work. It encourages innovation, prevents unauthorized use, and ensures creators are rewarded. In Bangladesh, copyright is governed by the Copyright Act, 2000, managed by the Copyright Office Bangladesh.