With the advent of Digitalization, everything has become more transparent in terms of privacy. We have become so used to sharing our lives on the internet that it is very important to be on our toes at all times. Cyber theft is one such instance that you should be careful of. Especially for intellectual properties, protecting your ownership is of topmost priority. Hence, it is very essential to get your work Copyrighted.

What is Design Copyright?

Anything that anyone creates is their intellectual property. Copyright law is the law that protects our Intellectual Property Rights from unauthorized copying and misuse. Design copyright is the way to protect your original creation from infringement. The Designs Act, 2000 is the textbook guideline for all Design related Copyright.

What category of work can be registered as Copyright under Graphic Design?

The following category of work can be registered, under Design Copyright:

• Illustrations
• The architectural design of any structure
• Fashion design

Rights to Protect a Copyrighted Designer

A Copyrighted designer is vested with the following rights –

• the right to make copies,
• the right to sell or distribute copies
• the right to prepare derivative works based on the copyrighted work
• the right to publicly display the work.

Registration Process: Copyright for Design

1. Discuss a copyright expert: about the category of Copyright registration.
2. Filling the Application
3. Examination of application: it is scrutinized by an examiner of authority.
4. In case of an objection: filed the authorities send out letters to the concerned parties.
5. Registration: Once everything is cleared from the side of registrar's end the applicant received and owner of that copyright can legally exercise all rights of copyright.
6. Required information for the registration of Copyright

• Personal Information: - Name, address, and nationality of the applicant. Nature of the applicant whether he is owner and representative of that particular application.
• Nature of work: - Class & description, the title of the work. The language of the work should be mention in the application.
• Date of Publication: - If the possible date of publication in interval magazines should be mention.

How can we help you?

As a Designer, you must be struggling to protect your rights to avoid all the problems involved in cases of infringement. Sign up with Online Legal India™  to be Copyright Holder. So, nobody can steal your illustrations, designs etc