Copyright registration in Sri Lanka protects the rights of the authors of literary and artistic works. Copyright ensures that the authors get the economic benefits of their creations. In case of a copyright infringement, the author is entitled to statutory damages. Thus, it prevents others from unauthorized use, sale and distribution of the registered copyright. Copyright registration in Sri Lanka is not compulsory to obtain protection. A copyright is protected from the day the work is published and made available to the public.
Duration of copyright registration in Sri Lanka
A copyright registration in Sri Lanka lasts during the life of the author and 70 years after their death.
International Protection of Copyright
Sri Lanka is a member country of the Berne convention for the protection of literary and artistic works. Thus, the works of the Sri Lankan authors are protected in all these countries.
Protection of folklore in Sri Lanka
Expressions of folklore are also protected against any unauthorized use in Sri Lanka. Section 24 of the Intellectual Property Act, No: 36, 2003, states that expressions of folklore are protected against reproduction, broadcasting, adaption, translation and other transformation when such expressions are made for commercial purposes or when they fall outside the purview of traditional or customary context.