Copyright We don’t just advise on the law, we seek to improve it. We have worked with government agencies in several countries to lobby for changes to copyright laws. About Talk to Us Our copyright lawyers are experienced in all types of copyright work, from the highly technical, involving computer-related and internet technologies, to works of artistic copyright. Our expertise also includes advising in relation to database rights. We don’t just advise on the law, we try to improve it. We have worked with government agencies in several countries to lobby for changes to the copyright laws. Registering and managing copyright Ensuring that your copyright portfolio is well managed is an important part of your IP protection strategy Unlike most other IP rights, copyright usually subsists automatically without the need for registration. In some jurisdictions, however, you can register copyright and it will often be advisable to do so. If you don’t register, and your copyright is infringed, proving your claim may be difficult. In the past, a popular, but misguided, attempt to prove the date of creation and authorship of a work, was for the author to post a copy of the work to himself. This did not, however, constitute strong evidence as it would be easy to open and replace the contents of the envelope, or simply to steal it at a later date. The advantage of copyright registration, in jurisdictions that provide for it, is that the owner of the registered work is not obliged to prove ownership in the event of a dispute. As copyright disputes often boil down to a dispute over authorship and date of creation, this can be invaluable. Enforcing copyright Our enforcement team and our dispute resolution team regularly advise on all forms of copyright infringement, including streaming and website abuse and computer software infringement and have developed creative ways of obtaining evidence of licence abuse and end-user piracy. This enables our clients to make informed commercial decisions in relation to their enforcement strategy. We have frequently been able to rely on copyright as an alternative in infringement cases where other claims, e.g. a claim of unfair competition, were not sufficiently strong. We have also managed a series of anti-piracy projects for copyright owners, including publishing industry associations (both books and other print media and online such as journals), software companies (in relation to end-user piracy and license abuse), and companies in the music and film industries. Commercialising your copyright There are many opportunities for commercialisation of your copyright, whether by way of licensing programmes, sale or acquisition. Copyright owners have the right to decide how their work is used. They may decide to exploit the work directly or to grant licences, either exclusive or non-exclusive. They may enter into joint ventures or other forms of co-operative arrangement. And, as with other forms of IP, the copyright itself can also be assigned. Our team can assist with valuations and all forms of copyright exploitation, helping ensure that you receive an appropriate economic reward. Latest Copyright Insights More News & Cases from China: October 2021 5 minute read READ MORE 01 Dec 2021 #china #patent #unfair competition #copyright The long-awaited public consultation on updating Hong Kong's copyright regime After seven years delay, Hong Kong is back in the copyright game. 2 minute read Theresa Mak READ MORE 24 Nov 2021 #copyright #hong kong #infringement #ai Copyright meets Sports, meets Politics A story of football broadcasts in the Middle East and a famous UK football club. 4 minute read Nadeen Helou, Nick Redfearn, Chris Vale READ MORE 27 Oct 2021 ##copyright ##boardcast ##uk ##football From “big” to “powerful" China’s ambition to become an intellectual property nation in 15 years 9 minute read Li Mi READ MORE 20 Oct 2021 #china #patents #designs #trade marks Our Team Kin Wah Chow Principal Jakarta kchow@rouse.com +62 21 769 7333 Arifia Fajra Principal, Indonesia Head of Patent Agency Group Jakarta afajra@rouse.com +62 21 769 7333 Edmund Baranda Managing Partner at Baranda & Associates, Principal and Country Manager of Philippines business Manila ebaranda@rouse.com +63 2 403 1686 Carole Theuri Trade Mark Attorney South Africa ctheuri@rouseafrica.com +27 21 250 0700 How can we help you? Get in touch with us or find an office to help you. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST INSIGHTS The latest Rouse news, articles, and resources, sent straight to your inbox. SUBSCRIBE NOW Contact Us Accessibility Statement Legal The Rouse Network consists of local subsidiaries of Rouse International Limited and closely aligned but independent firms which work seamlessly together on engagements. Which elements of work are done by which entity depends entirely on the country in which work is carried out, in compliance with relevant legal and regulatory provisions. Rouse International Limited