It is a legal right governed and established by relevant copyright law to protect the interests of the owner of an original work; and it is a private property right exclusively controlled by the relevant copyright owner.
VALUE
Cultural value
Creativity in a community, and in turn its culture, will be encouraged and promoted if copyright is adequately protected.
Economic value
Copyright works can be traded in both domestic and overseas markets if copyright is adequately protected. The economy will in turn be benefited.
COPYRIGHT WORKS
Copyright subsists in the following descriptions of work:
Original literary, dramatic, musical or artistic works; sound recordings, films, broadcasts or cable programmes; the typographical arrangement of published editions.
MUSIC RELATED COPYRIGHT WORKS AND THE DURATION OF PROTECTION
AWARDEES
STATUS
Melody
Termed as musical work in the Hong Kong’s Copyright Ordinance
Until 50 years after the creator dies
Lyrics
Termed as literary work in the Hong Kong’s Copyright Ordinance
Until 50 years after the creator dies
Cassette, CD, MD and similar audio products
Termed as sound recording in the Hong Kong’s Copyright Ordinance
Until 50 years after it is manufactured
CERTAIN TYPES OF MUSIC COPYRIGHT
Types of Music Copyright
Musical & Literary Works
The right to copy
Music publisher
Note : CASH does control this right for a small repertoire (mainly consisting of foreign works for which no agents are present in Hong Kong).
CASH – Reproduction Right for Karaoke Server
The right to perform in public
CASH
The right to broadcast or include in a cable programme service
CASH
The right to make available copies for access through the internet
CASH
Creators of Music (melodies and lyrics)
Having Exclusive Right To:
Perform Music In Public
Playing music in a non-domestic environment.
Broadcast Music
Broadcasting music through wireless means.
Transmit Music Via Cable
Sending music through a wired system.
Make Music Available
Allowing members of the public in Hong Kong or elsewhere to access music at any time and from any place.
Copy Music
Reproducing music in any material form such as storing music in computer files.