- IPs
- Service Providers
What is Copyrights?
In general, copyright is the right given to the owner of an original work. This right can subsist in literary works such as books and computer software, musical works such as musical compositions, dramatic works such as plays, artistic works such as drawings, paintings and sculptures, sound recordings, films, broadcasts, cable programme and the typographical arrangement of published editions of literary, dramatic or musical works, as well as performers' performances. Copyright works made available on the Internet environment are also protected.
In fact, the subsistence of copyright does not require the work to have an aesthetic value nor to be clever nor very creative. It exists even in an item as simple as a photograph taken by an ordinary person in daily life.
Copyright is an automatic right. It arises when a work is created. Unlike other intellectual property rights such as patents, trademarks and industrial designs, it is not necessary to register a copyright in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), in order to get protection under the law of the HKSAR. In fact, there is no official registry in the HKSAR for registration of copyright works.
Why is Copyright protection important?
Copyright protects creativity. The efforts of writers, artists, designers, software programmers and other talent need to and should be protected so as to create an environment where creativity can flourish and their hard work can be rewarded. In return, the public benefits from the creations.
Hong Kong is a place full of creative people and ideas. Our film production, television production, sound recording production, publications, fashion, jewelry, graphical design and digital entertainment are known world-wide and enjoy a ready market overseas. Hong Kong is also an international trading centre. The HKSAR Government strives to provide the necessary protection of intellectual property rights, including copyright, to our investors to assure them of a free and fair environment in which to do business.
Copyright Protection and Enforcement
Copyright Regulation
What is Copyrights?
In general, copyright is the right given to the owner of an original work. This right can subsist in literary works such as books and computer software, musical works such as musical compositions, dramatic works such as plays, artistic works such as drawings, paintings and sculptures, sound recordings, films, broadcasts, cable programme and the typographical arrangement of published editions of literary, dramatic or musical works, as well as performers' performances. Copyright works made available on the Internet environment are also protected.
In fact, the subsistence of copyright does not require the work to have an aesthetic value nor to be clever nor very creative. It exists even in an item as simple as a photograph taken by an ordinary person in daily life.
Copyright is an automatic right. It arises when a work is created. Unlike other intellectual property rights such as patents, trademarks and industrial designs, it is not necessary to register a copyright in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), in order to get protection under the law of the HKSAR. In fact, there is no official registry in the HKSAR for registration of copyright works.
Why is Copyright protection important?
Copyright protects creativity. The efforts of writers, artists, designers, software programmers and other talent need to and should be protected so as to create an environment where creativity can flourish and their hard work can be rewarded. In return, the public benefits from the creations.
Hong Kong is a place full of creative people and ideas. Our film production, television production, sound recording production, publications, fashion, jewelry, graphical design and digital entertainment are known world-wide and enjoy a ready market overseas. Hong Kong is also an international trading centre. The HKSAR Government strives to provide the necessary protection of intellectual property rights, including copyright, to our investors to assure them of a free and fair environment in which to do business.