Tekijänoikeuksissa

Tekijänoikeuksissa, or copyright in English, is a legal framework that protects original works of authorship. This protection is granted automatically when an original work is fixed in a tangible medium, such as writing, music, art, or software. The creator of the work, known as the author, is granted exclusive rights for a certain period. These rights typically include the ability to reproduce the work, create derivative works, distribute copies, and publicly perform or display the work.

The purpose of copyright law is to encourage creativity and the dissemination of knowledge by providing authors with control over their creations and the opportunity to benefit from them. Copyright does not protect ideas, facts, or systems themselves, but rather the specific expression of those things. For example, the concept of a flying car is not copyrightable, but a novel or film depicting a flying car is.

In Finland, as in many other countries, copyright protection is governed by specific legislation. The duration of copyright protection varies, but it generally lasts for the author's lifetime plus a significant number of years after their death, often 70 years. Once the copyright expires, the work enters the public domain and can be used freely by anyone. Exceptions to copyright law exist, such as for private copying, quotation, and educational purposes, often referred to as fair use or similar doctrines depending on the jurisdiction. Infringement of copyright can lead to legal remedies, including injunctions and damages.