Copyright in Ukraine: What does it protect and how can it be avoided?

Have you come up with a logo for your brand, written a heartfelt song or created an innovative website design? All these creative achievements require reliable protection. That’s where copyright of Ukraine comes in, guarding intellectual property and helping authors preserve their rights to their creations. But how do you understand the intricacies of the law and ensure that your ideas are properly protected?

What exactly does copyright protect?

So, what is considered to be the object of copyright? Ukrainian law clearly defines which creative achievements are protected. From photographs and musical compositions to computer programs and architectural designs, copyright protects a wide range of intellectual property. Let’s take a closer look at what exactly is included in this list.

1.1. Diversity of objects: from novels to design

When we talk about copyright objects, we mean the results of human creative activity in any field – be it science, literature, art or technology. The Law of Ukraine “On Copyright and Related Rights” covers a wide range of works, providing their authors with adequate protection against unlawful use.

The objects of copyright include:

• Literary works: novels, poems, articles, scripts, lectures, etc.
• Artistic works: paintings, sculptures, graphics, choreographic and pantomime works.
• Musical works: songs, symphonies, arrangements.
• Audiovisual works: films, television programmes, video clips.
• Photographic works: photographs that are the result of a creative choice of subject, angle, lighting, etc.
• Computer programs: program code, databases, websites.
• Other works: architectural projects, maps, drawings, design developments.

Copyright in photographs in Ukraine

Copyright in photographs in Ukraine deserves special attention. According to the law, photographs are recognised as copyrighted works if they are original works, i.e. the result of the photographer’s creative efforts.

This means that simply capturing an image with a camera does not give you the right to copyright unless it contains elements of creativity.

An important role is played by:

• The choice of the subject.
• Compositional solution of the frame.
• Use of light and shadow.
• The angle of the photo.
• Processing of the photo (provided that it makes the photo original).

Copyright in music in Ukraine

Just like photographs, music copyright in Ukraine is clearly protected. Composers have exclusive rights to the works they create. This means that no one has the right to use, copy, distribute or modify their music without permission.

The protection extends not only to the music itself, but also to its various forms, such as sheet music, arrangements, phonograms, etc.

It is important to understand that copyright arises automatically when a work is created. It is not necessary to register it or put a copyright sign ©, although this can be an additional protection.

1.2. Exclusive rights of the author: full control over the creation

Copyright grants creators not only recognition of their authorship but also a number of exclusive rights, which allow them to control the use of their works. This means that no one has the right to use copyrighted works without the permission of the authors or their assignees.

The basic rights of the author include:

• The right of reproduction: the author has the exclusive right to decide whether his work may be copied in whole or in part in any form.
• The right to distribute: the author decides how, where and in what quantity his or her work will be distributed, including sale, rental, lease.
• The right of public display: the author controls whether his or her work can be displayed in public, for example, by showing a film in a cinema or placing a photograph on a billboard.
• The right of public performance: refers to musical, dramatic and other works that can be performed in front of an audience. The author decides who can perform his or her work and how.
• The right to create derivative works: the author has the exclusive right to create derivative works based on the original.
• The right of translation: the author decides whether his or her work can be translated into other languages.

In addition to the above, there are also moral rights of authors that are unchangeable and cannot be transferred to other persons. They include:

• The right of authorship: the right to claim recognition as the author of a work in any form of its use.
• The right to the inviolability of a work: the protection of a work from any distortion or other violation that may harm the author’s honour and reputation.

Knowing your rights and obligations is the first step towards successful intellectual property protection.

How to avoid copyright infringement?

We have found that copyright is a reliable shield for intellectual property works. But the digital environment, with its rapid pace of information dissemination, also creates new challenges. How can you avoid copyright infringement online and use other people’s works legally? Let’s take a look at the most common pitfalls and safe routes in the world of copyright.

2.1. Typical copyright infringements: Internet traps

With the development of the Internet and digital technologies, the issue of copyright infringement has become an unprecedented one. It is very easy to copy, distribute or modify someone else’s content without thinking about its legality. Let’s take a look at the most common pitfalls to watch out for in the digital space:

• Illegal copying of website content. Imagine you like an article with interesting business ideas or beautiful photos on a competitor’s website. Copying and posting them on your resource without the owner’s permission is copyright infringement.
• Use of other people’s photos without permission. The Internet is full of beautiful images. However, behind every photo there is an author who has put his or her work and ideas into it. It is illegal to use it without permission, even if it is just a search photo.
• Distribution of pirated copies of software. Downloading software, music, films from torrent trackers or other pirated resources is not only a violation of copyright, but also a risk of infecting your computer with viruses.

The copyright of the website deserves special attention. A website is not just a set of pages, but a complex intellectual property. Its design, textual content, photographs, and the copyright to the software are all protected by law. Copying elements of someone else’s website without permission, even for educational purposes, can lead to serious consequences.

Don’t forget that ignorance of the law does not absolve you from liability. Even unintentional copyright infringement can cost you a lot of trouble, including lawsuits and fines.

2.2. Legal use: when someone else’s work can be used

Although the copyright law enforces certain rules, this does not mean that other people’s works cannot be used at all. There are perfectly legal and even free ways to use images and other content without infringing on anyone’s rights.

Here are a few options:

1. Obtaining permission from the copyright holder

The easiest and most reliable way is to contact the author or copyright holder of the content and officially obtain permission from to use it. This can be done verbally, but a written agreement is more reliable.

2. Using works under a free licence (Creative Commons)

Today, there is a great alternative to classic copyright – Creative Commons licences. Authors who place their works under these licences give other people the right to use them freely under certain conditions, for example, with attribution.

Types of Creative Commons licences:

• CC BY (Attribution): can be copied, distributed, displayed and created as long as the author is credited.
• CC BY-SA (Attribution-Share Alike): in addition to attribution, derivative works may be distributed only under the same licence.
• CC BY-NC (Attribution-NonCommercial): commercial use is not permitted.
• CC BY-ND (Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works): creation of modified versions of the work is prohibited.
• CC BY-NC-SA (Attribution-NonCommercial-NonSale-Share Alike).
• CC0 (Public domain): the author waives all rights.

3. Public domain.

Works whose copyright has expired or works to which copyright has never been granted are transferred to the public domain. They can be freely used for any purpose.

4. The right to quote

In some cases, subject to the requirements established by law (length of the quote, indication of the source, etc.), it is possible toquote works without the author’s consent.

Knowing these nuances, you will be able to fill your websites, presentations or other materials in a safe and interesting way without violating intellectual property rights.

Practical advice on copyright protection

We’ve figured out how to recognise and avoid falling into the traps of copyright infringement. But what about those who create unique content themselves and want to protect it from illegal use? What practical steps can be taken to preserve your rights to intellectual property works?

3.1 Attribution: how to prove that a work is yours

You’ve created a masterpiece: written a fascinating book, developed an innovative design, or taken a striking photograph. Now how do you claim your rights and prevent others from appropriating your work? In Ukraine, there are several effective ways to fix authorship.

1. Automatic copyright protection

The good news is that in Ukraine , copyright arises automatically at the moment of creation of a work. You don’t need to register it or perform any special actions to acquire the right to protect it.

However, in today’s digital world, where information is disseminated instantly, it can be difficult to prove when a work was created. That’s why it’s important to have proof of authorship.

2. Proof of authorship

What is the evidence of authorship?

• Manuscripts, sketches, drafts: keep all intermediate versions of your work as they can serve as evidence of your creative process.
• The date a file was created on your computer: although it can be changed, it is also an important factor in conjunction with other evidence.
• Social media posts: keep screenshots with the date your work was published on your pages.
• Emails: Correspondence with colleagues or clients discussing your work can also be helpful.
• Witness statements: people who can confirm when you created the work.
• Notarisation: You can have your work notarised by a notary.

3. Deposit of a work

Deposit is the transfer of a work for safekeeping to special organisations that guarantee its preservation and can confirm the date of its creation.

In Ukraine, this service is provided by:

• The Ukrainian Agency of Copyright and Related Rights (UACRR);
• The State Intellectual Property Service of Ukraine (SIPS);
• Private organisations.

4. Registering copyright

Although copyright registration is not mandatory, it has a number of advantages, especially if you plan to use your work commercially or if there is a high risk of plagiarism.

Advantages of copyright registration:

• Issuance of a certificate, which is an official confirmation of your authorship
• Simplifying the process of protecting your rights in case of infringement

Remember: reliable protection begins with the correct registration of your authorship. A well-chosen method will help you preserve your rights and avoid unpleasant situations in the future.

3.2 Contracts and liability: how to transfer rights and not be left with nothing

You have created unique content and taken care to secure your authorship. But what if you want to share your creation with others or allow it to be used under certain conditions? That’s where copyright transfer agreements come in, helping to avoid misunderstandings and protect your interests.

1. The importance of concluding agreements

A copyright assignment agreement is a document that regulates the relationship between an author and a person who wishes to use his or her work (for example, a publishing house, recording studio, or advertising agency).

Why you need an agreement:

• To clearly define the scope of the rights being transferred. You can transfer both exclusive rights to use the work and grant a non-exclusive licence.
• Set the territory and term of the rights. For example, allow the use of your work only in a certain territory or for a certain period of time.
• Determine the amount and procedure for payment of remuneration.

Without a written agreement, you run the risk of losing control of your work and not receiving the remuneration you deserve.

2. Sample copyright transfer agreement

There are many sample agreements available online, but it is important to adapt them to your needs and specific situation. Be sure to consult a lawyer before signing any documents.

Mandatory clauses of the contract:

• Subject of the contract (what kind of work is being transferred);
• Parties to the agreement (the author and the person receiving the rights);
• The scope of the rights transferred (exclusive or non-exclusive);
• Term of validity of the rights;
• The territory where the work can be used;
• The amount and procedure for payment of remuneration;
• Liability of the parties for breach of contract.

3. Liability for copyright infringement in Ukraine

Ukrainian legislation provides for various types of liability for copyright infringement, ranging from civil liability to criminal liability in certain cases.

Types of liability:

• Civil liability: payment of compensation to the author, damages, seizure of counterfeit copies.
• Administrative liability: imposed in the form of fines.
• Criminal liability: provided for intentional copyright infringement on a particularly large scale or with the intent to make a significant profit.

The term of copyright in Ukraine is for the life of the author and 70 years after his or her death.

Additional recommendations for different types of activities:

• Copyright for photographers: always draw up contracts with models, keep the original photos.
• Copyright for artists: take photos of your paintings before you hand them over to galleries or buyers.
• Copyright for bloggers: do not use the content of other authors without permission.
• Copyright for designers: develop contracts with clients, clearly define the terms of transfer of rights to the design layouts you create.

Knowledge of copyright laws will allow you to effectively manage your rights and avoid unpleasant consequences.

Conclusion

In a world where information has become the most valuable resource, copyright protection is not just a whim, but an essential condition for the development of creativity and innovation. We hope that this article has helped you better understand the basics of copyright in Ukraine, taught you how to distinguish between what is permitted and what is prohibited, and provided you with practical tools to protect your rights.

You can read more about the law of Ukraine “On Copyright and Related Rights“ on the official web portal of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. Remember that ignorance of the law does not exempt from liability, so take the time to study this important issue and let your creative achievements always be properly protected!