The need for IP copyright registration

FE Team | Published: February 29, 2024 20:56:52

The deficiency in copyright registration reported by this newspaper suggests a vexing inadequacy within the country's copyright system, which poses potential risks to safeguarding intellectual property. According to the report, registration of creative intellectual property (IP) falls below desired levels primarily due to a lack of awareness. Consequently, while violation of copyrights may be rampant, many IP proprietors are likely to struggle for protection of their creations through formal documentation. Copyright regime in Bangladesh is administered in the light of the Copyright Bill 2023. The copyright office registers literary works, drama, music, arts, cinematography, radio, television and digital platform broadcast, webpage, software and transferred document of intellectual property. The Bangladesh Copyright Office (BCO), a quasi-judicial organisation, is responsible for receiving, scrutinising and registration of copyright applications. According to the BCO, producers of creative works have got 2,199 copyright registrations in 2023, and 2,132 in 2022 which understandably reflect a far smaller figure than the anticipated one.
Although registration is not mandatory, the fact remains that unless an individual doesn't properly register IP, s/he might incur economic loss and face legal battle as well. Thus copyright registration of intellectual property is an essential step for protecting the rights of creators and innovators. It serves as a legal safeguard, providing tangible evidence of ownership and establishing a public record of the creator's rights. While copyright protection automatically applies to original works upon their creation, registering copyright with the appropriate authorities offers several significant advantages. First and foremost, copyright registration provides the creators with the ability to enforce their rights in a court of law. In the event of infringement or unauthorised use of their output, registered copyright holders have stronger legal grounds to pursue litigation and seek remedies such as damages or injunctions. Without proper registration, proving ownership and establishing the validity of copyright can be challenging and may weaken the creator's case in legal proceedings. When a work is officially registered, it becomes part of the public record, making it easier for others to identify the rightful owner and obtain permission for its use. Such transparency discourages individuals or entities from unlawfully exploiting copyrighted materials, as they are aware of the legal consequences associated with infringement.
Additionally, copyright registration facilitates commercialisation of intellectual property. It enhances the marketability of creative works and encourages investment in innovation and artistic expression. Registered copyrights provide assurance to investors, publishers, and distributors, as they can confidently engage in transactions knowing that the rights to the work are properly protected. This, in turn, fosters a conducive environment for creators to monetise their creations through licensing agreements, distribution deals, or sales without fear of unauthorised reproduction or distribution.
Given the benefits of registration, it is crucially important that owners and creators of intellectual property do the needful to ensure rightful claim on their products as well as stop infringement in any manner. The BCO, in its turn, should launch awareness campaign so that owners and creators of IP products come forward to safeguard their own accomplishments.