Law Summary
Exclusive Rights of Copyright Proprietors
- Exclusive rights include printing, publishing, copying, distributing, adapting, performing, and making derivative works.
- Rights extend to sales of manuscripts, representations for profit or otherwise, and any lawful disposition.
Ownership and Attribution
- Works published anonymously or under pseudonyms are considered property of the publisher.
- Quotation and reproduction of short passages allowed for criticism, commentary, or news dissemination with source citation.
- Limited reproduction permitted in musical works.
Protection of Component Parts and Composite Works
- Copyright protects all component parts in composite works.
- Pre-existing copyrights in components take precedence over new copyrights in composite works.
Protection of New Versions
- Collections, adaptations, commentaries, translations, and editions with new matter are considered new works.
- Such new works do not affect or extend existing copyrights in original materials.
Public Domain and Government Works
- No copyright on works in the public domain.
- No copyright on official Philippine government documents and publications.
- Speeches and works delivered in public forums or tribunals are excluded.
Restrictions and Conditions on Copyright Securing
- Citizens of the Philippines or US can secure copyright; non-citizens under conditions of domicile or reciprocal protection.
- Registration and publication with copyright notices required.
- Deposit of copies with the Philippine Library and Museum mandatory.
Prohibition of Immoral Works and Effect of Immorality
- Immoral or unchaste works not copyrightable.
- Copyright null and void if work is declared immoral post-registration, with penalties including destruction of copies.
Term and Renewal of Copyright
- Initial term of 30 years from registration.
- Renewal possible for an additional 30 years if applied within one year before expiration.
- Different rules for multi-volume works (40 years with renewal).
Infringement Remedies and Penalties
- Injunctions to restrain infringement.
- Damages, profits recovery, or statutory damages between Php 200 and Php 10,000.
- Criminal penalties include imprisonment up to 1 year and fines between Php 200 and Php 2,000.
- Exceptions for religious, charitable, and educational non-profit uses.
Illegal Notices and Unlawful Use
- Fines imposed for wrongful use of copyright notices on uncopyrighted works.
- Illegal importation of pirated copies or false copyright-marked articles prohibited, with limited exceptions.
Administrative and Procedural Provisions
- copyright registration entails deposit of copies and affidavits concerning origin and publication.
- Assignment, licensing, and conveyance must be registered within specified timeframes to be valid against third parties.
- Certificates of registration issued and admitted as prima facie evidence in court.
- Establishment of copyright office rules under Secretary of Justice and Director of Philippine Library and Museum.
- Fees prescribed for registration, assignment filing, and certified copies.
Jurisdiction and Limitations
- Courts of First Instance hold original jurisdiction over copyright cases.
- Actions must be initiated within 2 years from cause of action.
Ownership Distinctions
- Copyright is distinct from physical ownership of material object.
- Transfer of copyright doesn't imply transfer of physical object unless separately conveyed.
Public Accessibility and Government Ownership
- Copyright office records open to public inspection under regulations.
- Deposited copies and instruments become government property.
Effectivity
- Law effective upon approval date mentioned.