COPYRIGHT AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY: Welcome

A Copyright is an exclusive right granted by law for a limited period to an author, designer, etc. for his/her original work.

Works eligible for copyright protection
The Copyright Act protects certain classes or categories of works.
The following works are eligible for copyright in South Africa (in the Republic).                                                    

• Literary works e.g. books and written composition novels.
• Musical works e.g. songs.
• Artistic works e.g. paintings and drawings.
• Cinematograph films e.g. programme-carrying signal that has been transmitted by satellite.
• Sound recordings.
• Broadcasts e.g. broadcasting of films or music.
• Programme-carrying signals e.g. signals embodying a programme.
• Published editions e.g. first print by whatever process.
• Computer programs.

For a work to be eligible for copyright protection, it must be original and be reduced to material form.

-CIPC Intellectual Property Online

National Copyright laws and international copyright agreements collaborate to safeguard creative works worldwide.

National copyrights govern or regulate intellectual property rights within individual countries, while international copyright laws provide a framework for protecting creators’ rights across borders through treaties and agreements.

Stay Informed:

Copyright laws and regulations can change, so it is essential to stay informed. The guide will be updated with the latest information and resources every year.

Get started:

Browse through the different sections of this guide to learn more about copyright and how it impacts you.

The following will be covered in the guide:

• Intellectual Policy

• Copyright infringement & Plagiarism policy

• Authors Rights

• DALRO

• Fair-Use

• Online Copyright form

• Copyright Act(s)

• Copyright Amendment Bill

• Lifecycle of Copyright Bill

• Lifecycle of Copyright

• Copyright and Intellectual Property Toolkit

• World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO)