Know your "writes"
25/08/2011

Our Copyright Act (Act 98 of 1978 as amended) provides protection for various works inter alia novels, textbooks and stage plays (literary works), paintings and photographs(artistic works) and songs (musical works). As a creator and copyright owner of literary, artistic and musical works you acquire a right (among other rights) to prevent others from using your work without your permission.

There are various organisations that will assist you in obtaining recognition for your works and, in some instances, receiving royalties for use of your works. These are organisations such as Academic and Non-Fiction Authors’ Association of South Africa (ANFASA), Publisher’s Association of South Africa (PASA) and Dramatic, Artistic and Literary Rights organisation (Pty) Limited (DALRO).
ANFASA If you have ever written any academic or non-fiction work get in touch with ANFASA to assist you with the recognition and protection of your work and informing you of your rights as an author.
PASA Publishers are inextricably linked with authors/writers/creators of literary works (often the copyright owners) and will assist with the promotion of your work by getting it published and making it available to the public. Contact PASA if you have any queries or concerns relating to the publishing industry.
DALRO DALRO will assist you if you are the owner of copyright in a published edition, stage plays and musicals or a work of visual art. Should you wish to ensure that your works are not used without your permission and, if used, you are paid the royalties due to you, contact DALRO.

The above organisations not only assist creators of works in which copyright subsists with the promotion and protection of their rights but also provide advice regarding the rights and responsibilities of the various parties involved, empower and educate authors, provide platforms to discuss various issues and policies affecting authors and publishers and offer projects, grants, scholarships and competitions to promote arts and culture in South Africa.

Please feel free to contact Adams & Adams for any advice relating to Copyright and if you require assistance in getting in contact with any of the above organisations.

See: Media and Entertainment Law