Students: Copyright

What is copyright?

Copyright describes legal rights given to protect the rights of copyright owners or creators of artistic or literary expressions.

Copyright automatically applies when work created is published or available publicly. The type of work protected by copyright are varied.

They include books, technical reports, manuals, paintings, photographs, songs, dramatic works, films, television, radio broadcasts, computer software and databases and many other creative works.

Who is the copyright holder?

The copyright holder is usually the author, editor, publisher, producer, director, photographer, webmaster etc.

How long does copyright last?

In Malaysia, the copyright lasts for 50 years after the creator/author's death. In the UK the copyright lasts for 70 years after the death of the creator/author. After the copyright expires, the work becomes available in the public domain. The copyright holder has exclusive rights to the copy of the work and make it available to the public or adapt the work as required.

What is permitted under copyright law?

“Fair dealing” and “Fair practice” is what is used in Malaysia instead of “Fair use”. This allows the legitimate use of copyright works in certain circumstances and conditions.

Under fair dealing a work may be used by anyone for the purposes of research or private study without the permission of the author or creator. When the information or content is used it must be conducted in such a way that it does not prejudice the rights of the copyright owner. The work may be used for criticism or review or for reporting or examination purposes, provided that the author and the work are fully acknowledged in full.