Cyberspace is not new facing copyright issues, and sometimes the world around you is full of thieves who would desperately try to sabotage your 'artistic work' which blends in with the right audience and also target them bringing you laurels. Being a good graphic designer requires you to be on your toes. Hence, it is very essential to get your work Copyrighted under Intellectual Property Rights.

What is Graphic Design Copyright?

Illustrations, photographs, logos, graphic design that users reproduce and exploit for commercial purposes without the permission of the owner/author or designer (here graphic) is a clear violation of this. Copyright law is the law that protects creative work from unauthorized copying and misuse.

What category of work can be registered as Copyright under Graphic Design?

The following category of work can be registered, under Graphic Design Copyright:

• Illustrations
• Logos can be copyrighted if they contain the required amount of creative expression.
• The artistic elements of fonts and typefaces cannot be copyrighted, but the software used for fonts may be copyrightable.
• Fabric, floor and wall covering designs
• Decals and stickers
• Posters
• Graphics applied to clothing and other useful articles
• A layout design is not copyrightable, but a work encompassing layout design, such as a catalogue, may sometimes be copyrightable because it is a compilation of photographs, artwork and text.

Rights Protect a Copyrighted Graphic Designer

A copyrighted Graphic Designer is vested with the following rights –

• the right to make copies,
• the right to sell or distribute copies,
• the right to prepare derivative works based on the copyrighted work,
• the right to publicly display the work.

Registration Process: Copyright for Graphic Design

1. Discuss a copyright expert: about the category of Copyright registration.
2. Filling the Application
3. Examination of application: it is scrutinized by an examiner of authority.
4. In case of an objection: filed the authorities send out letters to the concerned parties.
5. Registration: Once everything is cleared from the side of registrar's end the applicant received and owner of that copyright can legally exercise all rights of copyright.
6. Required information for the registration of copyright

• Personal Information:- Name, address, and nationality of the applicant. Nature of the applicant whether he is owner and representative of that particular application.
• Nature of work:- Class & description, the title of the work. The language of the work should be mention in the application.
• Date of Publication:- If the possible date of publication in interval magazines should be mention.

How can we help you?

As a Graphic Designer, you must be struggling to protect your rights to avoid all the problems involved in cases of infringement. Sign up with Online Legal India™  to be Copyright Holder. So, nobody can steal your illustrations, logos etc.