INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT LAW – NOTES
1. Meaning:
International Copyright Law is a system of treaties and agreements between countries to protect
the rights of authors, artists, musicians, and creators across borders. It ensures that when a work is
protected in one country, it also enjoys similar protection in other member countries.
2. Objectives of International Copyright Law:
• Uniform protection for creators worldwide.
• Prevent piracy and unauthorized copying.
• Encourage creativity and innovation.
• Promote cultural exchange safely.
• Support economic growth through IP protection.
3. Principles of International Copyright Law:
National Treatment Foreign authors get the same rights as local authors.
Automatic Protection Protection arises automatically without registration.
Independence of Protection Protection in each country is independent of others.
4. Major International Copyright Conventions:
A. Berne Convention (1886)
Administered by WIPO; automatic protection, equal treatment, and minimum protection (life + 50
years).
B. Universal Copyright Convention (1952)
Administered by UNESCO; requires © symbol, provides basic global protection.
C. TRIPS Agreement (1995)
Administered by WTO; links IP with trade and enforces Berne standards.
D. WIPO Copyright Treaty (1996)
Protects digital and online works; anti-circumvention rules.
E. WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (1996)
Protects performers and producers in digital media.
5. India and International Copyright:
India is a member of Berne Convention, UCC, TRIPS, WCT, and WPPT. Indian creators get
protection in all these member countries.
6. Duration of Copyright (as per Berne Convention):
Type of Work Duration
Literary, Artistic, Musical Life of author + 50 years
Films & Sound Recordings 50 years from publication
Photographs 50 years from creation/publication
7. Limitations and Exceptions:
• Fair use for research, education, and news reporting.
• Public domain – works freely available after copyright expiry.
• Compulsory licensing in public interest.
8. Real-life Examples:
• Harry Potter books – protected under Berne Convention worldwide.
• YouTube music – digital content protected by WCT.
• Microsoft software – protected under TRIPS and WCT.
• Bollywood films – protected internationally under Berne.
9. Summary of Conventions:
Convention Year Administered By Focus
Berne Convention 1886 WIPO Literary & Artistic Works
UCC 1952 UNESCO Basic international protection
TRIPS 1995 WTO IP linked to trade
WCT 1996 WIPO Digital works
WPPT 1996 WIPO Performers & producers
10. Conclusion:
International Copyright Law provides global protection for creative works, ensuring that authors,
artists, and innovators receive recognition and rewards across all member nations.
