Categories of Copyright Work

Literary works encompass a wide range of written, printed, or recorded pieces with creative expression. This includes novels, plays, poems, articles, computer programs, and more.

Under the Copyright Act, a literary, musical or artistic work is not eligible for copyright unless it is written down, recorded or otherwise reduced to material form. This means the work must have a tangible expression.

Literary works include novels, stories, plays, screenplays, scripts, poems, essays, articles, reference works, letters, reports, speeches, computer programs, tables, and compilations.

Dramatic works include plays, dramas, stage directions, film scenarios, broadcasting scripts, choreographic works, and pantomimes.

Dramatic works are considered literary works because they are written, contain dialogue and stage directions, and involve creative expression through performance. These elements showcase the creative originality of the work.

Copyright does not apply to computer programs unless a written expression of that program exists. This means that even if someone infringes on a computer program, there is no copyright infringement if the program was not written down.

A computer program is a set of instructions that tells a computer what to do. It includes the source code (human-readable instructions) and the object code (machine-readable instructions).

Source code is the human-readable form of a computer program, written in programming languages. Object code is the machine-readable version, converted from source code.

Source code is considered a literary work and is protected by copyright law. This means that copying or distributing source code without permission is illegal.

In some cases, object code may not receive copyright protection because it is considered a sequence of electrical impulses, not a literary work.

Software programs are protected by copyright law as literary works. This includes the underlying code as well as any visual or audio aspects of the program.

The case of Creative Purpose SB & Anor v. Integrated Trans Corp SB & Ors established the legal framework for copyright protection of software in Malaysia.

The person who makes improvements to an existing software program is only entitled to copyright protection for the improved version, not the original program.

A 'computer program' is defined as an expression in any language, code, or notation, consisting of a set of instructions intended to make a device with information processing capabilities perform a specific function. This function can be directly executed or after being converted to another language, code, or notation, or being reproduced in a different material form.

A computer program is eligible for copyright if 'sufficient effort' has been expended on it to render the work 'original' and the work is 'reduced to material form.'

The threshold of originality for computer programs is likely to be similar to that of literary works. This means the program must demonstrate some degree of independent creation or a unique expression of ideas.

The definition of a computer program requires not just a set of instructions but also an 'expression' of those instructions. This means the particular way the instructions are written or coded is crucial.

The expression of instructions in a computer program must also be designed to achieve a particular purpose. It's not just a random set of instructions but a structured code with a specific goal.

This case examined whether a specific program, either in a lock or AutoCAD itself, met the definition of a 'computer program.' It emphasized the importance of the phrase 'expression, in any language, code, or notation of a set of instructions' in determining if something qualifies as a computer program.

This case established that while the quality of a work is not considered in determining copyright eligibility, a literary work must meet the requirements of originality and being reduced to material form to be eligible for copyright. This principle also applies to computer programs.

This case further emphasized that the 'expression' of a set of instructions in a computer program must be designed to achieve a particular purpose. It highlighted that simply having a set of instructions is not enough, they must be structured and intended to achieve a specific goal.

The transmission of a copyrighted work through any digital or physical means to an audience, including making it available for access at a time and place chosen by the audience.

Illegally bypassing technological measures used by copyright holders to protect their works, like DRM (Digital Rights Management).

Removing or changing information attached to a copyrighted work that identifies its ownership or usage rights.

A composition for musical performance, including lyrics, scores, and even musical accompaniment.

A visually creative work, including paintings, sculptures, architecture, and crafts, even if not considered highly artistic.

A visual representation of information like paintings, drawings, diagrams, maps, and charts.

A recording of light or other radiation on a medium that creates an image, excluding images within films.

The design of an integrated circuit as defined by the Layout-Designs of Integrated Circuits Act 2000. This is not considered an artistic work.

A 'film' is a sequence of visual images captured on a material (whether translucent or not) that can be displayed as a moving picture, or recorded on another material for later display, and includes the sounds from its soundtrack.

A 'sound recording' is any fixation of sounds or their representation that can be heard and reproduced, but doesn't include a film's soundtrack.

A 'broadcast' is the transmission of visual images, sounds, or information (wired or wireless) that can be lawfully received by the public, or is transmitted for public viewing.

Yes, copyright can exist in engineering drawings, even if the actual product is not copyrightable. Copying an engineering drawing, even indirectly through reverse engineering, can infringe copyright.

Reverse engineering is the process of taking apart a product to understand its design and create a similar product. Even reverse engineering can infringe copyright if it involves copying protected components.

Source code is the human-readable form of a computer program, written in programming languages.

Object code is the machine-readable version of a computer program, converted from source code.

In some cases, object code may not receive copyright protection because it is considered a sequence of electrical impulses, not a literary work.

A computer program is eligible for copyright if 'sufficient effort' has been expended on it to render the work 'original' and the work is 'reduced to material form.'

The definition of a computer program requires not just a set of instructions but also an 'expression' of those instructions. This means the particular way the instructions are written or coded is crucial.