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Copyright

Copyright protects music, film, literature and other creations, such as sculptures, furniture, lamps and architecture. The source code for a computer program is also protected by copyright.

What is required to obtain copyright protection?

The work must be original

Copyright protection requires that the work has a certain level of originality, meaning that the work is the creator’s own intellectual creation. In Sweden, it is not possible to apply for copyright protection, as the right arises automatically when a work is created. In Sweden, copyright applies for a period of 70 years after the death of the creator.

Economic and moral rights

Economic rights

The economic rights to the work always accure to the person who created the work, but they can be transferred to someone else through a contract. The holder of economic rights to a work is the one who decides if and how the work may be used and disseminated. For example, the holder decides whether a song may be used in a commercial, whether a short story can be published in a collection of short stories, or whether a photo may be used for a poster.

Moral rights

The moral rights mean that the creator has the right to be named if you use a work. For example, anyone who quotes from a book must indicate who the author is. The work must also be respected, you may not alter it or violate the creator.

Although the protection of a work subject to copyright arises without a formal procedure, meaning without requiring registration, it can be difficult to claim this protection. Copyright law contains many exceptions and limitations. In working life, the right to copyrighted works is regulated by additional legislation and a number of agreements.It is  advisable to seek advice from your trade association before doing business that may be affected by copyright.

Copyright at the Swedish Intellectual Property Office (PRV)

Unauthorized use - infringement

If someone uses your invention, design, trademark, or copyright without permission, the person is infringing. You must also make sure not to infringe on the rights of others.

Unauthorized use – infringement at the Swedish Intellectual Property Office

Strategy for intangible assets

Strategy for intangible assets may sound complicated. But a good strategy shows the importance of the intangible assets for the company's business and how they are intended to be used and protected.

Strategy for intangible assets at the Swedish Intellectual Property Office

Valuation of intangible assets

Intangible assets often account for a very large part of a company's value. It is therefore important to evaluate them.

Valuation of intangible assets at the Swedish Intellectual Property Office

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