Subscribe for all my updates and don't miss a thing! Sign me up!

How to apply for a copyright in Jamaica

by Aneisha Dobson
(St. James)

copyright in jamaica
Answered by Aneisha Dobson, Associate Writer

Undoubtedly, our little island has been blessed with an array of talented and creative minds, many of which helped to foster national identity.

When we reminisce about the colourful poetry of Ms. Louise Bennet and the musical artistry of Bob Marley, we can’t help but to have a deep sense of appreciation for these, our people, who have chosen to bestow their talents for the world to enjoy.

We have seen were many others have used their talents as a means of livelihood.

Artiste, for example, are able monetize their songs through online purchase or subscriptions; old folktales that were once told by elders have been printed unto the pages of published books.

But while that is happening, unscrupulous persons also found creative ways to capitalize on the works of the rightful owners. And so provisions are needed to protect the itellectual rights of owners. One such provision is copyright protection.

What Is Copyright?


According to Jamaica Association of Composers, Authors and Publishers Ltd. (JACAP), copyright protects original dramatic, literary, musical and artistic work and allows this original work to be considered property of the author.

In Jamaica, the act that relates to copyright protection is called the Copyright Act.

Categories Of Work Protected


Jamaica’s Copyright Act (1993) outlines nine categories of original work that are protected.

These are:

  1. Literacy- Novel, Plays, sermons, poetry or computer programs
  2. Artistic- paintings, Drawings, maps, charts. sculptures
  3. Dramatics- dances
  4. Musical
  5. Sound recording
  6. Films
  7. Broadcasts
  8. Cable program
  9. Typographical arrangements of published editions


Works Not Protected


Works not currently protected under the act are:

  1. Titles/ names
  2. Short phases
  3. Slogans
  4. Ideas
  5. Concepts
  6. Processes
  7. Principles/Procedures
  8. Methods
  9. Factual information and other types of intellectual property


How To Apply For A Copyright In Jamaica?


Listen to this... Under the Jamaican Copyright Act, an author’s original work is automatically protected as long as it is in written or recorded form.

Therefore, official registration or application is not mandatory because it is automatically protected upon creation.

The copyright notice, which includes the word ‘Copyright’ and the copyright symbol, ©, along with the date of creation and the author’s name should however be visible on the recorded medium.

Additionally, it is encouraged that authors should do one of the following in order to assist in proving authorship of their original work:


  • The author can send a copy of the original work to himself / herself by registered mail. The enveloped should remain unopened and stored safely along with the receipt from the post office.

  • A copy of the work can be deposited to the National Library of Jamaica. In fact, the Jamaican Legal Deposits Act requires Jamaican residents who publish library matter to deposit copies of their publication with the National Library of Jamaica.

  • A copy of the work can be deposited to an Attorney-at-law


Who can own copyright in Jamaica?


Under the Copyright Act (1993), all Jamaican nationals, citizens and habitual residents and corporate bodies established under Jamaican Law can qualify as owners under the Copyright Act.

But, Jamaicans are not the only ones protected; nationals, citizens and habitual residents and corporate bodies established under the laws of other specified countries, which are listed in Regulations and under the Copyright Act, are also protected under Jamaican Law.

A few of these specified countries are the United States, Canada, countries of the European Union, Asia and Africa.

Note also that Jamaicans also qualify for international Copyright protection in more than 160 countries, including the United States, Canada, countries of the European Union, Asia and Africa, who are all members of the Principal International Treaty for Copyright protection, known as the Berne Convention.

But here's a BIG question...

How long will your Copyright protection last?


Well this all depends on the type of original work.


  • Literary, Dramatic, Musical, Artistic Works - Copyright protection lasts for the life of the Author plus Ninety-Five years (95).

  • Computer Generated Works – Copyright protection lasts for 50 years after it is made.

  • Sound Recordings and Films – Copyright protection lasts for 95 years from the end of the calendar year in which it was first made available to the public.

  • Broadcasts – Copyright protection lasts for 95 years from the end of the calendar year in which broadcast was made.

  • Typographical Arrangements – Copyright protection lasts for 50 years from the end of the calendar year in which it was published.


Can a copyright be transferred?


Of course!

There are 3 ways in which an author can transfer their original work:


  • License – Here the Copyright owner allows another person to use their work for a specified purpose and time. The terms of the license are usually negotiated between the parties and fees are usually involved.

  • Succession – This is where the copyright is transferred on the death of the author, either by will or on an intestacy (when there is no Will) to surviving heirs.


  • Assignment – Here the Copyright owner bestows all rights and privileges associated with Copyright for the remaining duration of the Copyright term, except for the moral rights, which remain with the author forever unless they relinquish this right. In order for an Assignment to be valid it must be written.


Quite a mouthful right?

If you want to find out more information about copyright in Jamaica, you can visit the National IP office, Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO) at:

Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO)
Ground Floor,
JAMPRO Building
18 Trafalgar Road, Kingston 10
Jamaica, West Indies
Tel:876.946-1300, 946-0789, 946-9216
Fax:876.927-6744
http://www.jipo.gov.jm

Important Note


It is recommended that copyright owners become a member of a Collective Management Societies that assist in licensing of their rights.

Here in Jamaica these societies are:
Jamaica Music Society Ltd (JAMMS)
Building #2
7 Stanton Terrace
Kingston 6
Tel: 876 978 3275 / 876 322 4245
Email: jamms@point2point.com.jm

The Jamaica Association of Authors
Composers & Publishers (JACAP)
21 Connolley Avenue
Kingston 4
Tel: 876 9486439, 876 9485937
Email: jacap@cwjamaica.com

Jamaica Copyright Licensing Agency (JAMCOPY)
Building #3, 17 Ruthven Road
Kingston 10
Phone: (876)754.8910
Email: jamcopy@cwjamaica.com

You can deposit your original work at the following organizations:
National Library of Jamaica (NLJ)
12 East Street
Kingston
Tel : (876)967-1526, (876)967-1526 , (876)967-2494 or
Website: https://nlj.gov.jm/

Intellectual Property Services Centre (IPC)
7 Stanton Terrace
Kingston 6
Phone: (876).946.9442
Fax: (876).978.2338
Email: ipc@cwjamaica.com
Website: http://www.ipcentre.org.jm

Remember, you have the right but also the responsibiltiy to protect your intellectual property.


I hope this information helps.

Until next time…

AD


References



Click here to post comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to HowTo Jamaica.

Back To The Top Of This Page

New! Get My Latest Book👇🏿

JAMAICA_ON_A_BUDGET_EBOOK_COVER_LEAN

You asked, I've answered! You no longer need to save for months or years, to enjoy paradise!

JAMAICA On A Budget is your passport to experiencing what I call 'The Real Jamaica' on a budget!

I spilled the beans! sharing my top tips on finding cozy accommodations and secret gems, only the way a native could! Click Here to pick it up on my e-store and start saving now!

See The Best Of Jamaica - In Videos!

my_island_jamaica_channel_tv

My channel reaches over 140,000 subscribers worldwide and has leveraged over 11 million views, sharing, what I call 'The Real Jamaica'. Subscribe today and join our family of viewers.

Jamaica_subscribe_button

Read More ...

New! Experience The REAL Jamaica!
Book Your Private Tour here and experience Jamaica the way we (locals) do!


P.S. Didn't find what you were looking for? 
Still need help?

Click Here to try our dependable and effective Site Search tool. It works!

Or, simply click here and here, to browse my library of over 500 questions and answers! Chances are someone already asked (and got an answer to) your question.


copyscape
Back To The Top Of This Page

Like My Site? Please Click Here To Share It With Your Friends

Home   |   JOIN US   |   Site Search   |   Have Your Say   |   Archives   |   Old Archives   |   Contact   |   Disclaimer   |   TIP ME!   |   Link To Us


Do like I did! Share your passion
(about your city, hobby or experience) and make a living from it. Click Here to see how
.

By Wellesley Gayle   |   Copyright © 2007-2024 My-Island-Jamaica.com   |   All rights Reserved.   |   Privacy Policy