Legislative Review - Copyright Rules 2013
📘 Introduction to the Copyright Rules, 2013
Copyright, as a distinct branch of the intellectual property regime, confers statutory protection upon the creators of original literary, artistic, musical, and dramatic works in India. It is a territorial right, governed by national legislation, and ensures exclusive control over the reproduction, distribution, and adaptation of such works. The duration of copyright protection extends through the lifetime of the author and continues for a period of sixty years following their demise, thereby safeguarding both creative legacy and economic interests.
The Copyright Rules, 2013 constitute a form of delegated legislation enacted by the Central Government under the authority conferred by Section 78 of the Copyright Act, 1957. These Rules serve as the procedural framework for the administration and enforcement of copyright law in India, particularly in relation to the functioning of the Copyright Office, established under Section 9 of the Act and operating under the aegis of the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) in New Delhi.
The 2013 Rules superseded the earlier Copyright Rules, 1958, and were formally notified via G.S.R. 172(E) dated 14th March 2013. This legislative update was necessitated by evolving technological landscapes, increasing complexity in intellectual property procedures, and the need for a more agile administrative mechanism.
⚖️ Role of the Rules in Copyright Administration
The Copyright Rules, 2013 play a pivotal role in streamlining and modernizing the procedural aspects of copyright governance:
- Procedural Flexibility: Unlike the parent Act, which requires parliamentary approval for amendments, the Rules allow the Central Government to introduce timely procedural changes—such as modifications in fee structures, timelines, and filing requirements—without legislative delay.
- Administrative Efficiency: By enabling dynamic updates, the Rules mitigate bureaucratic bottlenecks and ensure that copyright administration remains responsive to contemporary needs.
- Legal Continuity: The Rules complement the robust statutory framework of the Copyright Act, ensuring that substantive rights are effectively supported by efficient procedural mechanisms.
📜 Amendments Overview
The Copyright Rules, 2021
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The Copyright Rules, 2016
The Copyright Rules, 2013
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The Copyright Rules, 1958
Overview - Copyright Rules 2013
Table Of Contents
Chapter 1 - Preliminary
CHAPTER II - THE COPYRIGHT BOARD
CHAPTER III - RELINQUISHMENT OF COPYRIGHT
CHAPTER IV - COMPULSORY LICENCES IN WORKS WITHHELD FROM PUBLIC
CHAPTER V - COMPULSORY LICENCE TO PUBLISH OR COMMUNICATE TO THE PUBLIC THE WORK OR TRANSLATION THEREOF
CHAPTER VI - COMPULSORY LICENCE FOR BENEFIT OF DISABLED
CHAPTER VII - STATUTORY LICENCE FOR COVER VERSIONS
CHAPTER VIII - STATUTORY LICENCE FOR BROADCASTING OF LITERARY AND MUSICAL WORKS AND SOUND RECORDINGS
CHAPTER IX - LICENCES FOR TRANSLATIONS
CHAPTER X - LICENCE FOR PUBLICATION, TRANSLATION AND RE-PRODUCTION OF WORK
CHAPTER XI - COPYRIGHT SOCIETIES
CHAPTER XII - PERFORMERS’ SOCIETY
CHAPTER XIII - REGISTRATION OF COPYRIGHT
CHAPTER XIV - MAKING OR ADAPTING THE WORK BY ORGANIZATIONS WORKING FOR THE BENEFIT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
CHAPTER XV - MAKING OR ADAPTING THE WORK BY ORGANIZATIONS WORKING FOR THE BENEFIT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
CHAPTER XVI - IMPORTATION OF INFRINGING COPIES
CHAPTER XVII - TECHNOLOGICAL PROTECTION MEASURES
CHAPTER XVIII - MISCELLANEOUS
Schedules