How do I find out whether a product is copyrighted or not?

All artistic, literary, and musical works have copyright protection the instant they are fixed in a physical form.

Copyright in Vietnam 

-If you sketch an illustration on a cocktail napkin, it’s copyrighted.

-If you take a photograph with a camera, it’s copyrighted.

-If you write a blog post that has at least a minimal degree of creative authorship, it’s copyrighted.

-If you make up a new tune and record yourself whistling it, it’s copyrighted.

However, that copyright doesn’t last forever. The duration of copyright protection varies from country to country, and may depend on such factors as whether it was created by an individual or a corporation, and if and when it was published. For most countries, copyright protection lasts for 50–70 years after the creator’s death.

So, find out what the laws of your country are on copyright duration, and research the relevant factors for the creative work whose copyright you are trying to determine.

Source:David Mullich

If you are interested in finding a Copyright Law Firm in Vietnam, let ANT Lawyers help. We can connect you with a skilled lawyer that is much more affordable than a traditional law firm attorney. Check us out and please get in touch if you’d like more assistance. Please contact our lawyers in Vietnam for advice via email ant@antlawyers.vn or call our office at +84 28 730 86 529. Best of luck!

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Sanctioning for violations of computer software copyright

According to Article 2 (viii) of the Stockholm Convention on 14 July 1967 on the establishment of the World Intellectual Property Organization, intellectual property is defined as the rights related to: Literary works, art and science works, performance of performers, sound recording, video recording, inventions in all areas of human endeavor, Scientific Invention, Industrial Designs, Trademarks (goods), service marks, trade names and indications , logos, Rights (protection) against unfair competition and all other rights are the result of Intellectual activities in industry / engineering, science, literature or arts.

The Berne Convention gives authors a lifetime of copyright and a minimum of 50 years thereafter. However, countries that comply with the convention are allowed to extend the term of copyright.

Software Compliance Law Firm in Vietnam

Depending on the laws of each country, works may be regulated and may have different protections. Copyright infringement of a work can be understood as an act of verbatim copying of part or the whole of a pre-existing work but without the permission of the copyrighted person or unauthorized transmission of part or the whole of a work which is not under his copyright. More specifically, the text is not copied verbatim, but the whole idea as well as the order of presentation of a work are copied. This type of infringement is harder to spot but can still be considered a form of copyright infringement if there is evidence that a "copy" is imitating the prototype. It can be seen that the examples in the master thesis do not specify the source and the main author. The text is not copied in its original form but translated with creative ideas (in other languages ​​or in other formats) is also considered copyright infringement.

Under the 2005 Intellectual Property Law, computer programs or computer software are protected by copyright as protection of a literary work whether expressed in source code or machine code. Therefore, copyright in computer software is also fully protected with personal rights and related rights. The protection of laws on intellectual property products is the basis to encourage individuals and organizations to create useful products. But with the current situation of infringement of intellectual property rights, especially for computer programs and software, the copyright infringement is up to 80%. Most of the computer software programs, if individuals want to use it, have to pay royalties to manufacturers. Normally, this fee is calculated annually, but many individuals and organizations use this reason to use pirated software without copyright.

So how will violators be penalized? Depending on the seriousness, violators may be administratively sanctioned or examined for criminal prosecution. Specifically:

Firstly, regarding administrative handling: Organizations and individuals will be fined from VND 15,000,000 to VND 35,000,000 / 1 software product, if they commit acts of copying computer programs without permission of the copyright owner. At the same time, these organizations and individuals will be forced to remove infringing copies on the digital and cyber environment or destroy the material evidence. According to Article 18 of Decree No. 131/2013 / ND-CP (amended and supplemented by Decree No. 28/2017 / ND-CP), specifically:

A fine of from VND 15,000,000 to VND 35,000,000 shall be imposed for copying a work without permission of the copyright owner. At the same time, the application of remedial measures is to force the removal of copies of infringing works in electronic form, on digital and network environment or forcible destruction of infringing material evidences.

Secondly, on criminal prosecution:

Article 225 of the Criminal Code 2015 (amended in 2017) provides for the Crime of infringement of copyright and related rights as follows:

"Those who are not allowed by the copyright or related right owner to intentionally commit one of the following acts, infringe the copyright and related rights being protected in Vietnam on a commercial scale or gain illicit profits of between VND 50,000,000 and under VND 300,000,000 or cause damage to copyright or related rights owner from VND 100,000,000 to under VND 500,000,000 or infringing goods valued at from VND 100,000 .000 VND to less than VND 500,000,000 will be imposed a fine of from VND 50,000,000 to VND 300,000,000 or face non-custodial reform for up to 03 years:

a) Copying works, sound records, video records;

b) Distribute to the public a copy of the work, a copy of the sound recording, a copy of the video recording. "

In cases of aggravating factors, a fine of between VND 300,000,000 and VND 1,000,000,000 will be imposed or a prison term of between 6 months and 3 years. If a commercial entity commits an offense, the fine level will be higher for an individual, possibly liable to a fine of from VND 500,000,000 to VND 5,000,000,000, suspended from operation for between 06 months and 02 years or banned business, banned activities in certain fields or raising capital from 01 year to 03 years. The applicable penalty will depend on the seriousness of the violation.

If you're looking for an affordable IP attorneys in Vietnam, check out ANTLawyers.vn. ANTLawyers.vn was established to meet these needs by providing fast, effective and economical solutions. Hope that clears things up a bit. Feel free to message me directly to chat further about any other IP questions that you face.

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Main points of the Berne Convention on copyright?

The Berne Convention is a convention for the protection of works of art signed in Berne, Switzerland in 1886. The Convention sets out three basic principles and a the provisions defining minimum protection as well as special provisions for developing countries on copyright.

Copyright in Vietnam

1. The principles of copyright protection under the Berne Convention

1.1. Principle of national treatment

The principle of national treatment is the basic and important principle not only recognized in the Berne Convention but also in many other international treaties on intellectual property as well as in the laws of many countries in the world.

1.2. Principles of automatic protection

Copyright protection is the protection of individual creativity in the form of expressing ideas, therefore, when people create and express ideas in a certain objective form, they also generate copyright without a conditions or procedures.

1.3. Principles of independent protection

The enjoyment and performance of the rights of independent protection are not subject to any formula or procedures; this enjoyment and performance are completely independent of whether the work is protected in the country of origin or not. Therefore, in addition to the provisions of this Convention, the level of protection as well as the means of claiming guarantees for authors to protect their rights will be entirely determined by the law of the country where the protection is applied.

2. Impact of copyright protection principles in the Berne Convention on Vietnam

When Vietnam joined the Berne 1886 Convention, there were changes and impacts on the system and process of copyright protection. In October 2004, the Berne Convention entered into force in Vietnam. It can be said that it marked an important step in the process of international integration and can be considered as a day to open a future for the copyright industry in Vietnam.

The Berne Convention has created a legal framework, creating a basis for Vietnam to improve the system of copyright protection laws (Intellectual Property Law, Civil Code) in accordance with international treaties, provide a legal environment for comprehensive international integration. The accession to the Berne Convention is open to authors, owners of works, financial investors and services in this area of ​​Vietnam that may facilitate the transfer of copyrights of type of literary, artistic and scientific works.

Prospects for expanding investment and expanding the market of Vietnamese literary and artistic works in the convention member countries and the convention's member states in Vietnam are developed. In addition, Vietnam's cultural environment is also purified, avoiding copyright infringement, using other people's works to exploit excluded profits.

According to the Berne Convention with the principle of automatic protection, works of Vietnamese authors will be automatically protected for all countries that are parties to the Convention. But at the same time, with that benefit, it is the responsibility of protection of works by authors from over 160 Berne Union member countries. The objects are literary, artistic and scientific works that Vietnam has to protect very diverse. This is really a heavy responsibility, requiring us to seriously implement our commitment to copyright protection.

3. Achievements and obstacles when Vietnam joins the Berne Convention

Since Vietnam joined the Berne Convention, in social life, awareness of the use of literary, artistic and scientific works for profit purposes without permission of the author is a violation of the law is increasing. The authors have taken more care and initiative in protecting their creations or possessive. Organizations and associations that protect the rights of authors increasingly assert their role, effectively protect the rights in accordance with the law of the author.

However, the situation of copyright infringement is still complicated with frequent levels in most areas and in an alarming situation. The authorities have encountered many difficulties in the enforcement of copyright. The handling of violations of copyright still faces many difficulties and inadequacies. Currently, there has not been adequate attention to the copyright incentives enjoyed by Vietnam.

If you're looking for an affordable IP attorneys in Vietnam, check out ANTLawyers.vn. ANTLawyers.vn was established to meet these needs by providing fast, effective and economical solutions. Hope that clears things up a bit. Feel free to message me directly to chat further about any other IP questions that you face.

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Should I copyright my book before sending it to publishing companies?

From a publisher’s perspective, stealing content would be bad for business. It’s their job to pay you for your work if they like it. To steal it and have someone else write it would just be a tedious ordeal that nobody would put time or effort into doing. It makes no financial sense for the publishing company to operate that way. It simply doesn’t happen.

Copyright in Vietnam 

With that said, it does sound like you need some more information about how to copyright your book. It’s true that once you’ve written something and attached your name to it, then technically it has a copyright already. However, the difference is that without a formal copyright, you will have a harder time in the event that someone ever does plagiarize your work and try to sell it as their own.

Hope this helps!

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How does copyright work?

The law says that only the creator of a work, or his heirs, and no one else, has the right to make copies of it. Thus “copyright.”

The creator can lease out that right, give it away, whatever, but it’s his.

Copyright in Vietnam 

All the complications (and there are many) result from deciding who the creator is, what constitutes a copy, and how long copyright should last. Especially what constitutes a copy.

As for how it works in practice, copyright infringement — that is, making a copy without the creator’s permission — is a civil offense, not a criminal one. (What you do with the copies may well be criminal, though, since they’re stolen property.) That means that you won’t be arrested for copyright infringement, but you can be sued, and if you lose the suit you will be ordered to pay the creator everything you made off the infringement, plus any damages the creator can show to his own use of the property, plus (if the copyright was registered) punitive (punishment) damages.

Source: Quora 

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How can I get copyright?

Copyright can be attained for any original expression of an idea or work. Remember the idea must be in a tangible form; this means that the work that you want to copyright must have a physical presence so that is can be represented to the examiner in that format.

Copyright in Vietnam 

What can be registered as Copyright?

The application for copyright can be made for the following works:

-Literary works such as books and poems

-Dramatic works and theatrical plays

-Cinematographic films and videos

-Original musical works and sound recordings, excluding any actions and words to be included while performing the musical work

-Artistic works such as paintings, photographs and technical drawings including architectural designs

Copyright Registration Process

Registration of copyright can be done through physical as well as through online method and the documents that you require to file the copyright application with the relevant authority are:

1.Work Copies

Copy of the original work that is to be submitted with the examiner (3 copies).

2.Applicant Details

The identity proof of the applicant that should include

-Passport

-Driving License

3. Address Proof

The applicant will have to submit the following as address proof of the applicant

-Utility bills(water and electricity bill)

-Passport

-Rent Agreement if residing in a rented premise.

The application for copyright protection goes through the following process:

1.Filing Application

-The process to complete the filing of the application process might take around 3 days.

-The applicant needs to submit the application with Form-XIV along with all the documents and registration fee.

-If you are submitting the form physically at the Copyright Office then, you need to submit the fee through a Demand Draft.

2.Objection

-The objection on the filed application is raised wherein the applicant has to provide answers to the examiner within the stipulated time period.

-The examiner can also call for a hearing wherein a decision to provide registration or not can be taken. The applicant will have to wait for a period of 30 days before the application is moved onto the next stage.

3. Examination

-Once the objections are cleared the examiner checks the application further for any discrepancies and errors.

-If the examiner finds any discrepancy with the application he will notify the applicant with a discrepancy letter and then the applicant will have to make a reply to the letter justifying the issues that are raised in the examination.

4.Registration

-Once the examination process is done with the applicant will receive notification from the examiner and from there on the person can use the copyright symbol along with his work.

 Source: Quora 

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Registering Copyright Services in Vietnam

Under Law on Intellectual Property of Vietnam, copyright means rights of an organization or individual to Work which such organization or individual created or owns. In addition, the subject matter of copyright shall comprise literary, artistic and scientific works; the subject matter of copyright related rights shall comprise performances, audio and visual fixation, broadcasts and satellite signals carrying coded programs.

Copyright in Vietnam 

However, in fact, it is challenging to prove the owner’s copyright if there is no prior prepared evidence. A registration of copyright is the most important proof if violation or dispute happens. The copyright registration shall deter infringement, when owner can prove that the Work is protected under copyright law.

With highly professional staff and great experience in intellectual property aspect in Vietnam, ANT Lawyers would like to support you in registering and protecting your copyright and related rights in Vietnam as following:

Our services in copyright registration

-Provision of professional opinions and advice in relation to registration of copyright and related copyright;

-Advising, preparation, drafting, filing and prosecution of registration of copyright and related copyright;

-Provision of professional opinions and advice in relation to license and assignment of copyright and related copyright;

-Appeal and cancellation;

-Proceedings before the judicial authorities.

How to register a copyright or related rights in Vietnam?

Condition of copyright registration

A Work shall be registered its owner’s copyright if it does meet the following conditions:

-The ideas of the Work shall be presented particularly in a visible material

-The Work shall be original (Be made directly by the author without copying from any other works or people).

Required information and document

-Original Power of Attorney (POA) from the Applicant;

-Information of the author such as: Full name, Identify Card Number, Current address, permanent address; …

-Information of the Works such as: Name, the date of publication (if any), the place of Publication (if any); …

-Business registration certificate or establishment certificate (if applicant is association or organization);

-Written promise of being ownership of the work of the applicant;

-Some other specialized document with each specified aspect.

Note: The POA must be signed by the applicant or a duly authorized representative on behalf of the Applicant and no further notarization or legalization is required.

 Duration of copyright protection

-The following rights are protected forever:

-Right to give titles to their works.

-Right to attach their real names or pseudonyms to their works; to have their real names or pseudonyms acknowledged when their works are published or used.

-Right to protect the integrity of their works; and to forbid other persons to modify, edit or distort their works in whatever form, causing harm to the honor and reputation of the author.

The following rights are protected within the stipulated duration in law

-Right to make derivative works;

-Right to display their works to the public;

-Right to reproduce their works;

-Right to distribute or import the original or copies of their works;

-Right to communicate their works to the public by wireless or landline means, electronic information networks or other technical means;

-Right to lease the original or copies of cinematographic works and computer programs;

-Right to reproduce their works.

The protection duration of each type of Work with the above rights shall be different. In particularly, cinematographic works, photographic works, stage works, applied art works and anonymous works shall have a term of protection of fifty (50) years as from the date of first publication. Other work shall be protected for the whole life of the author and for fifty (50) years after his or her death.

ANT Lawyers -  A Law firm in Vietnam is supported by a team of experienced patent, trademark, design attorneys with qualification and skills handling full range of legal services relating to intellectual property rights in Vietnam.  We have specialized in the preparation and registration of patents, trademarks and designs for our clients.

We assist our clients in all steps of the prosecution phase of IP management.

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If I bought an original work from an artist can I copyright it since the original work and character now belongs to me?

 First off, you can’t copyright it because it’s already copyrighted. Under modern law, copyright exists the moment a work is set down in a permanent form. It is possible for the owner of the copyright to then register that copyright, but that is not what creates the copyright.

Copyright in Vietnam 

Second, buying a physical version of a work does not give you the copyright. It doesn’t matter whether that version is the original, or even if it’s the only version. You still don’t get the copyright. The only way you can get the copyright is to buy the copyright. In order to transfer the copyright to you, the owner must do so explicitly in writing, and it must be signed. The only thing you get by buying a physical version of a work is that particular physical version.

Source: Quora

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Is it necessary to register a idea?

An idea is an intangible concept, but If you believe it could be a valuable asset to a person or business, you should treat it as intellectual property consider the many routes to patent an idea. Patents are valuable for protecting an idea and your inherent intellectual property rights.

Vietnam Patent 

Intellectual property is generally broken into four categories:

Trade Secret

Patent

Trademark

Copyright

Of these forms of intellectual property protection, trade secret most closely related to the protection of an idea. Common law protects information (including ideas) that have value to a company as well as your intellectual property rights to own and use the concept. Basically, the idea must have some economic value, not be generally known to the public, and subject to protection by the company.

Patent rights relate to protection an invention, such as a process, machine, or composition of matter that is novel, non-obvious, and (in the case of a utility patent) useful. While these relate to a physical creation, the patent rights apply to the claimed attributes of the invention. In this way, it could be said that a patent relates to the protection of an idea that has materialized.

Trademark concerns any symbol, mark, word, phrase, or sound that comes to represent a business’s products, services, or brand. It is only loosely related to the concept of protecting an idea.

Copyright concerns the recording of original, creative expressions. The creative expression might be a novel way of saying something. This concept is related, but still distinct from the idea itself.

Trade Secret Protection for an Idea

Trade secret protection covers formulas, processes or methods, or compilations of information, and can be effective when trying to patent an idea. These intellectual property rights allow you to take action ifthe informationis misappropriatedor used without consent. Of course, if a third party is able to figure out the information on their own, then there is no misappropriation. Perhaps some of the most well-known trade secrets are Coca-Cola’s formula and KFC’s secret recipe. Most businesses have client lists or other compilations of information that constitute trade secrets.

The major benefit of trade secret protection is that the protective rights continue indefinitely. The rights in the information are lost when the information becomes commonly known or the company stops taking reasonable steps to protect the information.

Utility Patentfor an Idea

Inventors often begin with an idea. To seek utility patent protection of that idea, the inventor must demonstrate how the idea can be transformed or assembled into a novel, non-obvious, and useful invention. The claimed elements of the invention that bear these characteristics are really physical representation of the idea itself. That idea must not have been commonly known to the public at the time of filing for patent protection. A design patent regards the ornamental or aesthetic elements of an article of manufacture. In this way, the patent rights protect a design concept or idea.

Consultan Intellectual Property Lawyer

Determining whether an idea can be protected is the most difficult aspect of intellectual property law. It is very difficult to show the novelty or uniqueness of a creation. Nonetheless, the USPTO issues thousands of patents every year to creators. At the same time, it issues thousands of rejections to applications. Don’t try to navigate this legal maze alone. The experienced intellectual property lawyers at ANTLawyers.vn are both experienced and affordable. They can provide support in identifying creations that are capable of intellectual property protection, securing those intellectual property rights, and providing on-going protection of those rights.

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