Protecting Intellectual Property

What are copyrights?

The national government has specially enacted legislation to protect the rights and interests of creators of works in literature, science, the arts, and other academic areas. The rights afforded by such legislation are called "copyrights." Copyrights come into existence as soon as a work is completed, with no special procedures or registration required. Copyrights encompass two different kinds of rights: moral rights and economic rights. Moral rights serve to protect the reputation and prestige of the authors and the moral interests of their works. Therefore, these may not be assigned or inherited. Economic rights mainly serve to give property rights to the creators, so that they can enjoy real economic benefits from their work.

What services does the Copyright Department of the Intellectual Property Office offer me?

1. Formulating copyright and trade secret policies, interpreting related acts and regulations, holding international and cross-Strait consultation.
2. Approving, supervising, and providing guidance to copyright collective management organizations.
3. Copyright dispute mediations.
4. Compulsory licensing of musical works.
5. Registration of plate rights (including registration of transfers and placing in trust)
6. Education and promotion of public awareness on copyright and trade secrets matters.
7. Replying to e-mail or telephone queries concerning the application of copyright and trade secrets acts and regulations.
8. Searching past official interpretations concerning the Copyright Act.
9. Inspecting copyright licensing documents of exported audiovisual works and contract-manufactured CDs.
10. Informing the public of new developments in copyright practices.

More Information : Taiwan Intellectual Property Office