Copyright Protection
Copyright is the primary IP right protecting creative and digital works, from software code to content libraries, across every jurisdiction where your business operates.
Copyright arises automatically on creation in most jurisdictions, but exploiting and defending it effectively requires clear ownership structures, well-drafted licensing arrangements, and an understanding of how rights interact across borders. GlobalB Law advises digital businesses, media companies, platforms, and creators on the full lifecycle of copyright, from commissioning contracts that ensure clean title, through licensing and monetisation, to enforcement when works are used without permission.
For technology companies, the question of who owns code developed by employees, contractors, or open-source contributors is commercially critical. We draft and audit the contractual provisions, work-for-hire clauses, IP assignment schedules, and contributor licence agreements, that determine ownership from day one. We also advise on the interaction between copyright and AI-generated content, a fast-evolving area under both Turkish law and the EU's emerging AI Act and Copyright Directive framework.
On the enforcement side, we send takedown notices under national law and the EU Digital Services Act, advise on DMCA procedures for US platforms, and coordinate cross-border infringement claims where works are exploited across multiple territories simultaneously. Our approach balances firm enforcement with a commercial view of the relationships and reputations involved.
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常见问题
常见问题解答
Does our company automatically own copyright in code written by contractors?
Not automatically. In most jurisdictions, including Türkiye, copyright in a work created by an independent contractor vests in the contractor unless there is a written agreement assigning it to the commissioning company. We ensure your contracts include enforceable IP assignment provisions from the outset.
How do we handle copyright in content generated by AI tools?
This is one of the most actively developing areas of IP law. Under current Turkish and EU law, copyright generally requires a human author; AI-generated outputs may not qualify for protection. We advise on how to structure the human creative input to maximise protectability, and on the risk of using third-party training data in your outputs.
Someone is using our content without permission, what are our options?
Options range from a cease-and-desist letter or platform takedown notice (EU DSA or DMCA) through to court proceedings or arbitration. We assess the infringing use, identify the most effective jurisdictions, and recommend the approach that best balances enforcement speed, cost, and your ongoing relationship with the other party.
Do we need to register copyright to enforce it?
In Türkiye and the EU, copyright registration is not required, protection is automatic from creation. In the US, registration is optional but confers significant advantages in litigation, including the ability to claim statutory damages. We advise on selective US registration where your works have material commercial exposure there.
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