Copyrights

In the contemporary landscape, the protection of rights within the creative industries holds equivalent significance to safeguarding technological and other forms of intellectual property. Every ingenious inventor, artisan, or specialist harbours a fervent desire to preserve the distinctiveness and originality of their creations. India, being a nation rich in cultural diversity, is home to a multitude of artists who dedicate themselves to producing unique and innovative works, thereby contributing significantly to the nation's vibrant creative ecosystem. The rise of social media and other digital platforms has broadened the reach of these creators, enabling them to showcase their talents to a global audience. However, this increased visibility simultaneously exposes their work to a heightened risk of infringement, as unscrupulous entities may seek to exploit this accessibility. Consequently, the protection and enforcement of copyrights in this digital age presents unprecedented challenges. It is therefore imperative that creative works and ideas receive robust protection, necessitating copyright legislation that is even more stringent than before.
Indian copyright law has undergone numerous revisions in recent decades, reflecting the dynamic nature of the creative landscape. The advent of the digital era, with its attendant increase in opportunities for individuals and businesses to display their talents globally, has spurred several amendments aimed at strengthening enforcement mechanisms and providing more comprehensive protection. Landmark judicial pronouncements have played a crucial role in shaping these reforms. As a leading intellectual property firm, L.S. Davar & Co. frequently represents clients in these high-profile copyright disputes, gaining invaluable insights from these legal precedents. Furthermore, the firm maintains meticulous awareness of all amendments to the Copyright Act, ensuring that these revisions are fully considered in all copyright enforcement actions before the Indian Copyright Office.
Since our establishment in 1932, we have maintained an average client retention rate exceeding 50 years in copyright enforcement matters. Indeed, some of our client relationships within our copyright department span over six decades. Currently, our department comprises more than 20 copyright attorneys, each possessing an average of over 15 years of experience and holding degrees from India's premier institutions. We recognize the imperative for copyright attorneys to remain abreast of the rapidly evolving copyright ecosystem and to continually refine their expertise. To this end, we conduct monthly training sessions for our copyright attorneys, dedicated to expanding their knowledge base, honing their skills, and fostering a deeper understanding of their professional responsibilities. This commitment to continuous professional development enables us to deliver the highest calibre of service to our esteemed clientele.

We provide comprehensive, end-to-end copyright services, encompassing the following critical areas:
- Registration and Filing: We manage the filing and registration of copyrights, ensuring careful adherence to all legal requirements.
- Prosecution and Enforcement: Our capabilities extend to the rigorous prosecution and enforcement of copyright protections, safeguarding our clients' intellectual property rights against infringement.
- Cancellation Proceedings: We represent clients in copyright cancellation proceedings, adeptly navigating the complexities of such legal challenges.
- Licensing and Assignment: We provide strategic counsel and execution for copyright licensing and assignment, optimizing the commercial potential of our clients' intellectual assets.
Our firm is dedicated to employing effective strategies, leveraging appropriate tools and processes to achieve optimal outcomes at a fair and transparent cost. We maintain well-defined internal processes and a robust coordination with the Indian Copyright Office, continually striving for excellence in service delivery. Critically, we possess the capacity to manage substantial workloads without any diminution in the quality of our services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Copyright is a legal protection granted to the creators of original works of authorship, including literary, musical, and artistic works. This protection covers various forms such as books, music, films, software, and visual arts, as long as they are fixed in a tangible medium.
While copyright protection is automatic upon creation of the work, registering it with the U.S. Copyright Office provides legal advantages, such as the ability to sue for infringement and eligibility for statutory damages. The registration process involves completing an application and paying a fee.
Copyright protection generally lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years. For works created by corporations or anonymous works, the duration is 95 years from publication or 120 years from creation, whichever is shorter.
If you suspect copyright infringement, document the infringing work and consult with an IP attorney. They can guide you through the steps to protect your rights, which may include sending a cease-and-desist letter or initiating legal action.
