Copyright in the Kyrgyz Republic: A Practical Guide for Businesses
- What Should You Know About Copyright Protection in Business?
- How Can a Business Protect Its Intellectual Assets?
- How to Avoid Copyright Infringement?
- How to Formalize Copyright in Business?
- What to Do If Copyright Is Infringed?
- How to Minimize Legal Risks?
- Conclusion
- Contact our lawyer for more details
What Should You Know About Copyright Protection in Business?
Any business that creates content, uses software, develops designs, or works with media faces the issue of copyright protection. To avoid legal risks, companies need to:
- Identify copyrightable assets in their operations (branded content, software, marketing materials, packaging design, etc.).
- Register copyrights (if necessary) for key assets to protect them from being copied.
- Monitor the use of third-party content and properly formalize rights to use external materials.
How Can a Business Protect Its Intellectual Assets?
Copyright Registration
Although copyright arises automatically, registration helps simplify enforcement. In the Kyrgyz Republic, the following can be registered:
- Computer programs and databases with the State Agency of Intellectual Property and Innovation under the Cabinet of Ministers ("Kyrgyz patent").
- Trademarks and industrial designs with Kyrgyz patent.
Internal Protection Measures
- Sign contracts with employees and contractors clearly stating the ownership of copyrights.
- Ensure control over the acquisition and distribution of the company’s intellectual assets.
- Use digital protection tools (watermarks, DRM, digital signatures).
How to Avoid Copyright Infringement?
Using Third-Party Materials
- Check license terms before using images, videos, code, and other materials.
- Obtain licenses for commercial use of content (e.g., stock photo subscriptions, font and software licenses).
- Follow fair use principles and credit authors when required.
Employee Content Monitoring
- Implement internal policies on the use of copyrighted materials.
- Ensure employees do not use illegal software, images, or texts without permission.
How to Formalize Copyright in Business?
Employee Agreements
- Include in employment contracts that exclusive rights to works created as part of their job belong to the employer.
- If necessary, provide additional compensation for creating copyrighted works.
Contracts with Contractors and Partners
- Contractors (designers, programmers, copywriters) must transfer exclusive rights to their work results to the company.
- Licensing agreements should specify usage terms and restrictions.
What to Do If Copyright Is Infringed?
If Your Company’s Rights Are Violated
- Document the infringement (save evidence like screenshots and files).
- Send a formal claim to the infringer demanding they stop the unlawful use.
- If the claim is ignored, go to court or contact the relevant authorities.
If You’re Accused of Infringement
- Check the basis of the claim (e.g., whether a license exists, or whether any laws were violated).
- If a mistake occurred, remove the disputed content or settle the issue with the rights holder.
- Seek legal advice if necessary.
How to Minimize Legal Risks?
- Regularly audit the licensing status of all used materials.
- Have legal experts review all contracts related to copyrights.
- Train employees on copyright basics and internal IP policies.
Conclusion
Companies should proactively manage copyrights: protect their assets, comply with laws, and formalize the use of third-party content. This not only reduces risks but also helps build a strong and secure business.
Author: Saodat Shakirova, Partner, ARTE Law firm
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