Tekijänoikeuksienhallintajärjestelmät

Tekijänoikeus, known in English as copyright, is a legal right that grants creators of original works exclusive rights to use and distribute their creations. These works can include a wide range of intellectual property, such as literary, artistic, musical, and dramatic works, as well as computer software and architectural designs. The primary purpose of copyright law is to encourage the creation of new works by providing creators with a financial incentive and control over their intellectual property.

In Finland, copyright law is governed by the Copyright Act (Tekijänoikeuslaki). The law stipulates that copyright protection arises automatically upon the creation of an original work and does not require registration. The duration of copyright protection is generally for the lifetime of the author plus 70 years after their death. After this period, the work enters the public domain, meaning it can be used freely by anyone.

Tekijänoikeus grants the creator several exclusive rights, including the right to reproduce the work, to distribute copies, to perform or display the work publicly, and to create derivative works. These rights are transferable, meaning the creator can sell, license, or otherwise transfer them to others. However, the law also includes exceptions and limitations, such as provisions for private copying, quotation, and educational use, which allow for certain uses of copyrighted material without permission. Infringement of copyright can lead to legal consequences, including civil lawsuits for damages and, in some cases, criminal penalties.