SRI LANKA
What is Copyright?
Copyright refers to the legal rights granted to authors and artists for their literary and creative works. It includes two types of rights: moral rights and economic rights. Moral rights allow authors to assert their authorship and object to any distortion or mutilation of their work. Economic rights give authors the ability to copy, sell, rent, distribute, publicly display, and translate their works, among other actions.
Why Protect Copyright?
Copyright registration in Sri Lanka ensures that authors of literary and creative works receive financial rewards and recognition, fostering innovation and encouraging investment in these fields. This, in turn, enhances culture, education, economic growth, and overall quality of life.
Copyright Registration
What is Covered by Copyright?
Copyright protects original literary and artistic works, such as books, computer programs, essays, speeches, stage plays, teleplays, musical compositions, films, drawings, paintings, and photographs. It also covers translations and database creations. Notably, copyright protection is granted automatically from the moment a work is published and made accessible to the public, without requiring formal registration.
Who Owns Copyright?
Typically, the author of a work owns the economic rights. However, there are exceptions, such as works created by employees, which generally belong to the employer. Economic rights can be assigned or licensed, but moral rights always remain with the author.
Duration of Copyright Protection
In Sri Lanka, copyright protection for an author’s work lasts for 70 years after the author’s death.
Protection
Administration of Copyright
Individual copyright holders manage their rights, but they can also opt for collective management. This involves forming a company that licenses their intellectual property, collects fees, monitors usage and infringement, and enforces their rights.
Protection Abroad
Sri Lankan authors’ works are protected under the national legislation of each country that is a signatory to the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, ensuring international recognition and protection.
Protection of Folklore
Terms and elements found in Sri Lankan folklore are also protected against misuse, preserving the cultural heritage of the nation.