Learn About the Different Types of Works Protected Under Copyright Law

Learn about the different types of works
Highlights
  • The types of works protected under the Copyright Law include original works across various creative fields. This protection ensures that works are not used without permission or misrepresented as belonging to someone else.
  • The list of works protected under Indonesia’s Copyright Law includes written works, music, designs, and software. Each work grants exclusive rights to its creator.
  • Copyright protection can be obtained online through the official DJKI website, making the process faster, easier, and more efficient.
  • Understanding your rights and obligations as a creator is important. By understanding legal protection, you can safeguard the reputation and economic value of your work.

Nowadays, anyone can create something, whether it is a written work, music, artwork, or even a digital program. However, not everyone realizes that creative works can receive legal protection. That is why it is important to understand the types of works protected under Copyright Law, so you know which works are eligible for legal protection from the state.

Copyright is not only about legal protection but also about recognizing and respecting someone’s ideas and hard work. With proper legal protection, you have strong supporting evidence if someone claims your work as their own in the future.

This article discusses the different types of works protected under Indonesia’s Copyright Law, along with how to obtain official protection for your creative works. Let’s take a closer look!

Law No. 28 of 2014 concerning Copyright explains that protection is provided to works resulting from human creativity, skill, and intellectual effort. As long as a work is original and expressed in a tangible form, the creator may be entitled to legal protection.

Here are the different types of works protected under Copyright Law that you should understand:

1. Written and Literary Works

Written works are among the types of works protected under Copyright Law, including books, manuscripts, articles, poems, and academic works. Any written work that demonstrates the author’s unique style and ideas may fall into the category of protected creative works.

For example, if you write an original novel or film script, copyright generally arises automatically once the work is created. However, registering the work can provide stronger supporting evidence if a dispute arises.

2. Musical Works and Songs

Music is one of the types of creative works that is frequently used without permission. Whether it is a song with lyrics or an instrumental composition, both can fall under the types of works protected under Copyright Law.

Copyright protection may cover elements such as melodies, arrangements, and lyrics. With proper protection, creators may be able to exercise their economic rights, including through royalties, and control how their songs are used by other parties for performances, advertisements, or digital media.

3. Fine Art, Designs, and Logos

Visual works such as paintings, illustrations, sculptures, digital graphics, and logo designs are among the types of works protected under Indonesia’s Copyright Law. Business logos may also qualify for copyright protection if their designs are original and meet the applicable requirements.

This protection is important for businesses because it helps protect their visual identity from unauthorized use or copying by competitors.

4. Photographic and Cinematographic Works

All types of photographs, videos, films, and digital animations may also fall into the category of copyright-protected works. Depending on the circumstances, creative elements involved in the production process may also form part of the protected work.

Therefore, if you are a photographer, filmmaker, or animator, copyright registration can help provide supporting evidence and strengthen your position against unauthorized use or use without proper attribution.

5. Architectural Works and Maps

Architectural works include building designs, urban spatial plans, and other visual works that demonstrate originality in design. Maps and diagrams that involve creative expression in presenting geographic information may also receive protection.

This protection helps prevent creative designs from being used by other parties without proper authorization.

6. Computer Programs and Databases

In the digital era, computer programs are among the most valuable types of creative works. Source code, certain elements of software structure, and other copyrightable components of software may be protected by copyright.

For software developers, this means digital works, including mobile applications and internal business systems, may receive copyright protection against unauthorized copying and piracy.

7. Translations, Adaptations, and Derivative Works

Interestingly, derivative works such as translations and adaptations may also receive protection when they contain sufficient original creative expression. For example, you may translate a foreign novel using your own distinctive writing style or adapt a classic story into a modern film.

As long as the creative process results in a sufficiently original version, the derivative work may qualify for legal protection, subject to the rights in the original work.

Understanding the types of works protected under Copyright Law is only the first step. Once you know which works may be protected, as a creator or copyright owner, you can consider registering your work to obtain official documentation of your rights.

Today, the registration process can be completed online through the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DJKI) portal under the Ministry of Law and Human Rights. Here is a general guide:

Wait for the verification process. DJKI will review the application and the completeness of the submitted information. The process generally takes ar

Access the official DJKI website. Visit https://hakcipta.dgip.go.id and create a new user account. Make sure your personal information matches your ID card or other official identification.

Go to the “Online Registration” menu. After logging in, select the type of work you want to register, such as a song, written work, or logo design.

Complete the registration form. Enter the work details, provide a brief description, and upload the required file in the specified format, such as PDF for books, MP3 for songs, or JPG/PNG for logos.

Attach supporting documents. Provide the required statement of ownership and proof of payment of the applicable non-tax state revenue (PNBP) fee in accordance with DJKI requirements.

Darga Ananthara Avatar

Darga Ananthara

Legal Intellectual Property Expert M.H

Legal and Intellectual Property Expert with over 10 years of experience. Experienced in developing educational content and legal analyses related to the protection, management, and utilization of intellectual property rights for businesses and the public.

Areas of Expertise: Intellectual Property Rights

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Darga Ananthara

Primary Author
Legal Intellectual Property Expert M.H
Legal and Intellectual Property Expert with over 10 years of experience. Experienced in developing educational content and legal analyses related…
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