In the world of creativity and innovation, copyright serves as a legal foundation for protecting a creator’s work. However, not everyone realizes that copyright comes in various forms and durations, depending on the nature of the creation. This article explores the different types of copyright based on their duration of protection, as regulated in Indonesia, particularly referring to Law No. 28 of 2014 on Copyright.
Read Also: Copyright Infringement: Legal Basis and Maximum Penalties
Types of Copyright Based on Duration of Protection
1. Copyright for Scientific, Artistic, and Literary Works
Duration:
- Valid for the lifetime of the creator plus 70 years after their death.
- If the work was created by more than one person, the period is calculated from the death of the last surviving creator.
Examples of works: books, poems, songs, paintings, architectural designs.
Read Also: Song Copyright: Protecting Musicians from Piracy
2. Copyright for Computer Programs, Cinematography, and Photography
Duration: 50 years from the date of first publication.
Note:
Computer programs are classified separately due to the rapid pace of technological advancement.
3. Copyright for Performers and Sound Recording Producers
Duration: 50 years from the date of performance, recording, or first publication.
Examples: concerts, theatrical performances, music recordings.
4. Copyright for Broadcasting
Duration: 20 years from the date of first broadcast.
Examples: television and radio broadcasts.
5. Moral Rights
Duration: No time limit. The creator retains the right to be acknowledged as the author even after economic rights have expired.
Explanation:
Moral rights ensure the creator’s name remains credited and the work is not altered in a harmful way.
Based on Law No. 28 of 2014 on Copyright and references from the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DGIP).
Read Also: 7 Purposes of Copyright: Comprehensive Protection & Benefits
Why Understanding Copyright Duration Matters
Knowing the duration of copyright protection is crucial for:
- Planning the commercialization strategy of a work.
- Avoiding infringement of others’ rights.
- Determining when a work enters the public domain.
For creators and creative industry players, this awareness helps maximize the economic value of their works and safeguard their legal reputation.
Read Also: Copyright Certificate: Definition, Examples, and Requirements
If you need assistance with copyright registration, don’t hesitate to contact vOffice’s copyright, trademark, and HAKI registration services.
Get FREE consultation now and enjoy special offers!
FAQ About Copyright Duration
Does copyright need to be renewed after it expires?
No, copyright automatically ends once the protection period is over, and the work enters the public domain.
Can copyright be transferred to another person?
Yes, economic rights can be transferred or inherited, but moral rights remain with the creator.
What if the work is never published?
Copyright still exists, but the duration is calculated from the moment the work is first fixed in a tangible form.
