COPYRIGHTS IN BHUTAN
A copyright is a set of exclusive rights available to the author or the owner of the work. A Copyright subsists in literary, musical, dramatic, choreographic, and other artistic works. Copyright essentially protects the creative works of the author fixed in a tangible medium of expression.
Copyright Registration in Bhutann
All copyright and related rights works are defined in the Copyright Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2001. It can be registered voluntarily. An application for copyright registration can be made to the Intellectual Property Division, Bhutan.
Registration Procedure
· An application for registration of copyright and related rights can be made on Form CR-1. It should be submitted in triplicate. · An application can be made in respect of one work only and should accompany the prescribed fee. · The application can be submitted by the author, authorized agent, or some other claimant of the Copyright. · Two copies of each work should be submitted by the applicant. The copies should be sealed and signed by the Intellectual Property Division and the applicant.
Examination Procedure
After the submission of the application, the Intellectual Property Division examines it. The following conditions should be met to register copyright – · Whether the work has copyrightable subject matter. · Whether all legal and other formalities have been met. · Whether the application is completed properly.
Publication
Once these conditions are met, the Intellectual Property Division publishes the notification on its website. This is done to invite objections within 1 month from the date of such publication.
Registration Certificate
If no opposition or objection is filed within the stipulated time, the application is accepted for registration. The Intellectual Property Division issues a certificate of registration accordingly. It is then signed by the director to the applicant within 1 week from the date of expiry of the publication period. The certificate bears the seal of the office, the signature, registration number and the date of registration.
