What is Copyright?
Copyright grants creators exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, perform, display, and license their original works of authorship. These works include:
Literary Works
Books, articles, manuals, and computer programs.
Artistic Works
Paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, and architectural designs.
Musical Works
Compositions, song lyrics, and musical arrangements.
Dramatic Works
Plays, scripts, and choreography.
Audiovisual Works
Films, videos, and multimedia presentations.
Applied Art
Industrial designs, graphic designs, and textile designs.
Translations
Translations of literary and artistic works.
Registering your copyright with the UAE Ministry of Economy provides formal recognition and documentation of your ownership rights, which can be invaluable in cases of infringement disputes.
Advantages of having copyright?
Legal Protection
Copyright grants exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, perform, and display your creative work. It provides a legal framework to prevent others from using your work without permission.
Financial Rewards
Copyright allows you to monetize your work by licensing it to others for use, reproduction, or distribution. This can generate income through royalties and licensing fees.
Recognition and Attribution
Copyright ensures that you receive proper recognition as the creator of the work. This is important for establishing your reputation and credibility in your field.
Incentive for Creativity
Knowing their work is protected encourages creators to invest time and effort in producing new and innovative works without fear of unauthorized copying or exploitation.
Control over Use
Copyright gives you control over how your work is used and distributed. You can decide where and how your work is published, displayed, or performed.
Legal Recourse
If someone infringes on your copyright, you have legal recourse to seek damages, injunctions, or other remedies through litigation or negotiation.
Long-Term Protection
Copyright protection generally lasts for the lifetime of the author plus a significant period (typically 50 years after the author’s death). This ensures that your work continues to be protected and valued over time.
International Recognition
Copyright protection is recognized internationally through treaties and conventions (such as the Berne Convention), facilitating global enforcement of your rights.
Preservation of Cultural Heritage
Copyright can help preserve cultural heritage by protecting traditional knowledge, folklore, and indigenous creations from unauthorized exploitation or misappropriation.
Encouragement of Investmen
Strong copyright protection fosters investment in creative industries, leading to economic growth, job creation, and technological innovation.
Overall, copyright protection is crucial for fostering creativity, protecting creators’ rights, and promoting a vibrant cultural and economic ecosystem.
Copyright Protection in the UAE
In the UAE, copyright protection is automatic upon the creation of the work and extends to both published and unpublished works. However, registering your copyright with the UAE Ministry of Economy provides additional legal benefits, including proof of ownership and a basis for legal action in case of infringement.
Process
Government Fees
In the UAE, the government fees for copyright registration vary depending on the type of work being registered and the specific circumstances. Generally, the fees are structured as follows:
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Description
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Amount
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|---|---|
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Registration Fees for Individuals
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AED 50 (For Each Writer)
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Registration Fees for Companies and Institutions
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AED 200 (For Each Company or Institution).
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Miscellaneous Fees
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There may be other miscellaneous fees related to specific services or requests associated with copyright registration.
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Government Fees
In the UAE, the government fees for copyright registration vary depending on the type of work being registered and the specific circumstances. Generally, the fees are structured as follows:
- Registration fees for individuals : AED 50 ( for each writer).
- Registration fees for companies and institutions: AED 200 (for each company or institution).
- Miscellaneous Fees: There may be other miscellaneous fees related to specific services or requests associated with copyright registration.
Key Aspects of UAE Copyright Law
Originality
Only original works are eligible for copyright protection. Your work must be your own creation and not a copy of someone else’s.
Duration
Copyright protection generally lasts for the lifetime of the author plus 50 years after their death. For works with multiple authors, protection lasts for 50 years after the death of the last surviving author.
Ownership
The creator or author is usually the first owner of the copyright. In cases where the work is created in the course of employment or under a contract, the employer or commissioning party may own the copyright unless otherwise agreed.
Rights
Copyright owners have the exclusive rights to reproduce the work, distribute copies, perform or display the work publicly, and create derivative works based on the original.
Infringement
Using copyrighted material without permission constitutes infringement. Remedies for infringement may include injunctions, damages, and legal costs.
Enforcement
Be prepared to enforce your copyright rights if infringement occurs. This may involve sending infringement notices, negotiating settlements, or pursuing legal action through the UAE courts if necessary.
How to Protect Your Copyright
Registration
While not mandatory, registering your copyright with the UAE Ministry of Economy strengthens your legal protection and establishes a public record of ownership.
Use of Copyright Notices
Displaying © followed by the copyright owner’s name and the year of first publication informs the public about your rights and can deter potential infringers.
Contracts and Licensing
Clearly define rights and permissions through contracts or licensing agreements when granting others permission to use your copyrighted works.
The work Which cannot be Copyright in UAE
Ideas
Copyright does not protect ideas or concepts themselves, but rather the expression of those ideas in a tangible form. For example, a business idea or a plot idea for a novel cannot be copyrighted.
Facts and Data
Raw facts, data, or information presented without creative expression or original arrangement are typically not eligible for copyright protection. However, the way in which facts are presented or compiled (e.g., in a database or compilation) may be protected if it exhibits sufficient creativity.
Government Works
Works created by government employees in the course of their official duties are often considered public domain and not subject to copyright protection. This includes laws, judicial decisions, and official government documents.
Procedures and Systems
Copyright does not protect methods, procedures, systems, or processes, regardless of how original or innovative they may be. Patents may be more appropriate for protecting such innovations.
Titles and Short Phrases
Titles, names, slogans, and short phrases are generally not eligible for copyright protection. They may be protected under trademark law if they serve as identifiers of goods or services.
Functional Elements
Functional elements of a work that are essential for its operation or use cannot be copyrighted. This includes utilitarian objects, industrial designs, and mechanical systems, which may be protected under other intellectual property rights such as patents or design rights.
Common Knowledge and Stock Elements:
Works that consist primarily of common knowledge, stock elements, or standard symbols that are widely used and lack originality may not meet the threshold for copyright protection.