The Need to Copyright

How would you know if you have the right to appeal for something you have done? How would you know if it’s you that is recognized to be the sole owner of the song you’ve written? How would you know if you are considered as the master of the lines and curves you’ve drafted on canvass? How would you know if you are the real “father” of the characters in your story? A law firm specializing in Intellectual Property in the Philippines may help you answer your seemingly unending questions of “how” but here are a few things that may help you along the way.

Intellectual Property (IP), as defined by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), pertains to anything that is created by the human mind such as literary and artistic works, inventions, symbols, designs and names used in commerce.  Intellectual property rights fall under the Republic Act 8293: Protecting the Intellectual Property in the Philippines, which includes copyright. Copyright is the author’s protection for his inventions. And if you are someone who wished to have your creation protected from infringement and theft, you may want to consider registering a copyright for your work at the National Library of the Philippines. Here’s why.

Copyright protects you and your creation. In today’s world where most of the information could be downloaded online and be posted publicly on the World Wide Web, copyright allows you to guard your creations from piracy. It gives the author authority to distribute his works according to his will. If the creation is used without the consent of the author, the affected author can sue for copyright infringement and may get money as fine. Also, the author has all the rights to make necessary revisions, prequel and/or sequel of his own literary invention. He also possesses all the rights to develop his creation into something different like turning works into movies or TV series.  

Copyright offers financial reward. If your creation is copyrighted, you have all the rights to the reproduction of copies, adaptation and/or translation. Any reproduction of copies, adaptation and/or translation rewards the author financially. In addition, if a producer or group of producers like the author’s work, they would have to pay for them to be able to use the certain work for interpretation. Copyright allows him to earn a living with his creative inventions that serves as entertainment and as a source of information for the community.

Copyright allows the author to leave a legacy. Aside from the financial reward a copyrighted creation can give the author, it also helps the work retain its own pride and dignity. Copyright allows the creation (it may be a song, a novel, an artwork or a sculpture) to stand for its master’s name even after a long time of circulation.

             Copyright retains ownership of the creation. It covers protection for the lifetime of the author and additional fifty (50) years after death. A copyrighted work of art signifies the passion and dedication the author has during and after the time of creation.

               

             These are just but some of the main reasons why an author or creator who take real effort, passion and dedication in making art should secure the art’s intellectual property rights. You may see the application form and requirements needed here and here. And yes, if you are able to register your work and have it copyrighted, you have all the rights to appeal for it getting stolen, abused or misquoted, and even for improper distribution without the your consent. 

For Intellectual Property Law & Litigation, visit http://ndvlaw.com/.

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Philippines Social Media And How it Contributes To Cyberbullying

source:adigaskell.org

Bullying has always been an issue that is extremely difficult to address despite the government’s continued reinforcement of the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 and the growing support from different organization to put a stop on it and continued encouragement of law firms for people to legally address cyber criminality. And with the rise of the internet age arise a new brand of bullying—cyber bullying.

It is undeniable how the internet has revolutionized Filipino’s way of living. Steadily walking away from being a couch potato—mobile phones, tablets, and computers have slowly replaced televisions as sources of entertainment in the lives of Filipinos. Communicating with your love ones from distant places has also been made easier. Even business arrangements and office work can be accomplished within your fingertips. And with its availability and accessibility, it has been one of the primary sources of news and headlines.

The current times have only been evidence that it will get easier from this point on to gain access to the internet and more and more users are being connected to it. As of 2015, if every active Filipino internet user will form a one big internet country, there will be enough people to match the population of Ukraine. Is has grown by nearly 18 percent since January 2014. The Philippines is currently 16th in the world ranking when it comes to internet usage. An average Filipino internet user enjoys an average of 6 hours of daily internet dose. Among their most visited social platforms are Facebook, Skype, Google+, Twitter, Viber, and Instagram.

These data are just proofs on how cyber-bullying can seriously go from bad to WTF—the accessibility and availability of these social media platforms where cyber-bullying can take place can spread a certain snide comment, a poorly-thought-about statement, or an embarrassing photo and video like wildfire within seconds. And next thing you’ll know, you have been a victim of social-media shaming and bashing from people you don’t even know and you’ll be hiding under a rock for the rest of your days or until another unlucky soul becomes another victim of cyber-bullying. There are also extreme cases when the victim falls into deep depression and it started to affect his public reputation so much that lasting effects like antisocial behavior develop.

Alarmingly, the Philippines now ranks as 4th leading country to look up for “cyber bullying” at Google. Presumably, this could only mean two things: first, people are too afraid to come out and admit that they are being bullied and; on a more positive light, that Filipinos are gaining awareness and wants to learn more about cyber bullying. But nonetheless, if people are resorting to search engines to learn about cyber bullying then this could only mean this issue requires immediate attention.

Cyber bullying is a serious matter that everyone should be aware of. And if you think that there is need for you to seek for legal advises regarding this matter, there are law offices and law firms in the Philippines who will readily provide you with their expert opinion.

In the coming years, we can only expect that the internet will continue to change our lives. We may not have any control on the possible effects that it might bring, but we can take control of the things that we need to know.

Like this post? Visit NDV Law's site. 

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Fulfilling the Law Firm Dream, the Humble Bar Top Notcher

source: https://twitter.com/abscbnnews

The month of March 2015 has been an exciting month for all the law students who took the Philippine Bar Examination. It is the most awaited month of the year for all the examinees who put all their time and effort just to get the coveted title of being an attorney and to be included on the top law firms in thePhilippines.

This is true especially to Irene Mae Alcobilla, who reviewed right after their graduation and aced the licensure examination with an 85.5 percentage grade.  I read her story  in a news article in the Philippine Star’s news portal entitled: “Topnotcher:I just wanted to be an Attorney”. According to the news article, Irene Alcobilla is a graduate of San Beda College of Law. She reviewed for the bar exam right after her graduation, studying only the books she had when she was in law school from her first year up to the last. Everyday, she made sure that she will have time for her review focusing on all the lessons that she didn’t absorbed well on school while setting standards for herself. Apart from it, she always prayed and asks the Lord for guidance and vows to give her best effort to pass the exam.  Thankfully, her efforts were not wasted, she didn’t only passed the exam but aced it too.

According to Irene, being the topnotcher of the Bar Exam was a miracle. Her goal was just plain and simple: to pass the Bar Exam and to be called a lawyer.  I hope that her story inspired everybody. The lesson I learned here is that with hardwork plus faith in God, nothing is impossible.

Today, Irene is continuing to work in a law firm. Apart from it, two other San Beda law students made the top 10: Jose Angelo David in 6th place and Adrian Aumentado in 7^th.

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