JACAP – Jamaica Association of Composers Authors and Publishers Limited
Address: 21 Connolley Avenue Kingston 4, Jamaica.
Email: jacap@jacapjamaica.com
Website: www.jacapjamaica.com
Copyright in Jamaica contact number and location
What is copyright?
How does copyright work in music?
When does copyright begin?
In music, copyright begins automatically once a piece of music is created then documented or recorded, for example on video, tape or CD or simply writing down the notation of a score.
How is copyright protected?
No official registration is necessary to secure copyright in a work. Under Jamaica law both musical and literary works are automatically protected from the time they are created. Consequently, in the event of a dispute over authorship, ownership or originality, there is no standard method of proving that one work was in existence before another.
There are however, suggested ways to help prove that the work was created on a specific date:
• Send a copy of the work to yourself by registered mail leaving the envelope unopened and stored in safe place together with receipt from the post office (Poorman Copyright)
• Deposit a copy of the work(s)to the National Library of Jamaica
• Deposit a copy of the work(s) with an Attorney-at-law (you may be required to pay legal fees
The registration of a title of a work with JACAP (as is required of members) does not create copyright in the notified work.
How do I copyright my songs? Is it necessary?
Technically, the creator of a song receives copyright protection automatically the moment the song is in fixed form. That means that if you make any recording of your song, even a simple boom box recording, or transcribe a lead sheet with chords, melody and lyrics you have secured a copyright.
The question of whether or not it’s necessary to register a copyright with the Copyright Office sometimes arises out of the fear that someone may “steal” your song. While there are certainly documented stories of copyright theft, our experience has been that it is not a widespread phenomenon, especially when dealing with legitimate, successful companies and people. This should not be used as an excuse for not being prudent and wise.
How do I protect my copyright?
Copyright protection is automatic as soon as there is a record in any form of what has been created (there is no official registration). However, steps can be taken by the creator of a work to provide evidence that he or she had the work at a particular time. For example, a copy could be deposited with a bank or solicitor. Alternatively, a creator could send himself or herself a copy by special delivery post (which gives a clear date stamp on the envelope), leaving the envelope unopened on its return. A number of private companies operate unofficial registers, but it would be sensible to check carefully what you will be paying for before choosing this route.
It is important to note, that this does not prove that a work is original or created by you. But it may be useful to be able to show that the work was in your possession at a particular date, for example where someone else claims that you have copied something of theirs that was only created at a later date.
Another useful step for a copyright owner to take when copyright material is published is to mark it with the international copyright symbol © followed by the name of the copyright owner and year of creation. This is not essential in the UK, but may assist you in infringement proceedings, and will be needed in certain foreign countries.
| 876-948-5937 |
| 876-458-3675 |
| DIGICEL |
| 876-336-2416 |
| 876-334-6503 |
| FLOW |
| Fax: 876-922-1638 |
Description:
Our JACAP staff is working for our members, songwriters worldwide and music users to ensure compliance with the Copyright Act of Jamaica. By collecting license fees from music users and paying royalties to the music creators JACAP is supporting the creative industries in a special way. Allow us to help you do right by copyright.