Copyrights Law in Singapore
Sure! Here’s an overview of Copyright Law in Singapore:
Copyright Law in Singapore
Copyright in Singapore is governed by the Copyright Act (Cap. 63), which provides legal protection to creators of original works, ensuring their rights over the use and distribution of their creations.
Key Features of the Copyright Act (Singapore):
1. Protected Works
Singapore’s Copyright Act protects a wide range of original works, including:
Literary works (books, articles, computer programs, etc.)
Dramatic works (plays, choreography, etc.)
Musical works (with or without lyrics)
Artistic works (paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures, architecture, etc.)
Sound recordings
Films
Broadcasts and cable programs
Published editions (typographical arrangements of published editions)
2. Ownership and Duration
Author as the first owner, unless work is created under employment or commissioned, in which case ownership may pass to the employer or commissioner.
Duration of copyright varies by work type:
Literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works: Life of the author + 70 years after death.
Films, sound recordings, broadcasts, and published editions: 70 years from the year of creation or first publication.
Government works: 50 years from the year of creation or publication.
3. Rights Conferred
Copyright owners have exclusive rights to:
Reproduce the work
Communicate the work to the public (including online)
Perform the work in public
Distribute copies to the public
Adapt or translate the work
License these rights to others
4. Fair Dealing Exceptions
The Act allows fair dealing without permission for:
Research and private study
Criticism, review, or news reporting
Judicial proceedings or professional advice
Education (limited and specific purposes)
Parody and satire
5. Technological Protection Measures
The law prohibits the circumvention of technological protection measures (e.g., DRM) that protect copyright works.
6. Moral Rights
Authors have moral rights, including:
The right to be identified as the author
The right to object to derogatory treatment of their work
7. Enforcement
Remedies include injunctions, damages, account of profits, and delivery up or destruction of infringing copies.
Criminal sanctions for willful infringement, including fines and imprisonment.
Enforcement agencies include the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) and the police.
8. Collective Management Organizations (CMOs)
Singapore has CMOs that help manage copyrights for creators by licensing and collecting royalties on their behalf.
International Treaties
Singapore is a party to major international copyright treaties such as:
Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works
WIPO Copyright Treaty
TRIPS Agreement (under WTO)
Summary
Singapore’s copyright system is robust and aligned with international standards, designed to promote creativity while balancing public interest through fair use exceptions. The protection terms are generally longer (life + 70 years) compared to some other countries, reflecting strong protection of authors’ rights.
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