Copyright Registrations

January 4, 2010
Intellectual Property News and Interesting Facts

Unlike the formal application proceedings of other forms of intellectual property that involves patents and trademarks, copyright registrations aren’t necessary.

Instead, the right to use the work lies with the author, who is defined by the South African Copyright Act as follows:

Literary, musical or artistic works – the person who first creates the work
Photographs – the person responsible for the composition of the photograph
Sound recordings – the person who made arrangements for the making of the recording
Films – the person who made arrangements for the making of the film
Broadcasts – the first broadcaster
Published editions – the publisher of the edition
Programme-carrying signals – the first person emitting the signal to a satellite
Computer programmes – the person who exercised control over the making of the programme

There are, however, exceptions to these rules. While you won’t need to go through the process of copyright registrations, you can contact Smit & Van Wyk Incorporated for any intellectual property assistance.

Contact Details for Smit & Van Wyk:

Tel:
+27 (0) 12 349 7800

Fax:
+27 (0) 86 619 0493

E-mail:
enquiries@svw.co.za

Physical Address / Courier:
Block A Apex Corporate Park
Quintin Brand Street
Persequor Technopark
Meiring Naudé Avenue
Pretoria
0184
South Africa