Literary work includes computer program and compilation
Open ↗13.—(1) A “literary work” includes —(a)
a compilation in any form; and
(b)
a computer program.
(2) A “compilation” is a compilation or table —(a)
consisting —(i)
wholly or partly of the following material:(A)
an authorial work, including a computer program;
(B)
a published edition of an authorial work;
(C)
a sound recording;
(D)
a film;
(E)
a broadcast;
(F)
a cable programme;
(G)
a recording of a protected performance; or
(ii)
of data other than the material mentioned in sub‑paragraph (i); and
(b)
that is an intellectual creation because of the selection or arrangement of its contents.
(3) A “computer program” is an expression (in any language, code or notation) of a set of instructions (whether with or without related information) intended to —(a)
directly cause a device with information processing capabilities to perform a particular function; or
(b)
cause a device with information processing capabilities to perform a particular function after —(i)
converting the instructions into another language, code or notation;
(ii)
copying the instructions in a different material form; or
(iii)
both of those acts.
(4) To avoid doubt, a computer program made before 10 April 1987 (or over a period ending before that date) is a literary work.
Subject matter of copyright in compilations
Open ↗14. To avoid doubt, any copyright in a compilation —(a)
is limited to the selection or arrangement of its contents that constitutes an intellectual creation; and
(b)
is in addition to, and independent of, any copyright in its contents and any other right under Part 4 (protection of performances) in relation to its contents.
What does a dramatic work include
Open ↗15.—(1) Subject to subsection (2), a “dramatic work” includes —(a)
a work of dance or mime; and
(b)
a scenario or script for a film, but not a film.
(2) A work of dance or mime made before 21 November 2021 is not a dramatic work unless it is described in writing in the form in which the show is to be presented.
When is a literary, dramatic or musical work made
Open ↗16.—(1) A literary, dramatic or musical work is made at the time when, or over the period during which, the work is first fixed in a material form, including —(a)
in writing; or
(b)
by storage —(i)
in a computer;
(ii)
on any medium by electronic means; or
(iii)
on any other medium from which the work, or a substantial part thereof, can be directly reproduced.
(2) A literary, dramatic or musical work in the form of sounds embodied in an article or a thing is considered —(a)
to have been fixed in a material form; and
(b)
to have been so fixed when those sounds were embodied in that article or thing.
Source: Singapore Statutes Online (Attorney-General's Chambers), © Government of Singapore.
