Copyright is a type of intellectual property right which is a collection of rights that protect original works of authorship like a literary works, artistic works, carnival costumes, plays, songs, movies, sound recordings, broadcasts or software/computer programmes. These rights arise automatically and benefit the author.
These rights include moral rights and the right to reproduce or copy the work, to prepare derivative works, to distribute copies, and to perform and display the work publicly.
This right generally lasts for 70 years after the death of the author of the work.
The holder of a copyright can prevent their work from being broadcast, reproduced, translated or adapted.
These rights can be protected through civil and criminal prosecution as well as administrative remedies. Injunctions and specific court orders are also used to enforce these rights.
In Trinidad and Tobago copyright and related rights are obtained automatically so it is not necessary to register or use other formalities. However the local Intellectual Property office does advise authors to use the © along with the creator’s name and date of creation.
Relevant Local laws:
The Copyright Act
The Protection Against Unfair Competition Act
Relevant international conventions and treaties:
WIPO Performances and Phonogram Treaty (1996)
Useful links:
Phoenix Legal and Consulting Services 