Lost in translation: How to protect copyrights in a second language | Bangkok Post: business

BY INVITATION

In Thailand, as in most developing and well-developed countries, there exists a robust translation industry. Companies, government bodies and law firms, among others, need a wide variety of materials translated. Who owns copyrights in translations? The answer isn't always clear. However, steps can be taken by private parties to assist in securing ownership of copyrights in translated materials.

Translations belong to the commissioning party. Thus, absent an agreement to the contrary, a commissioning party owns the copyright in translated materials.

However, at times, translation companies place language in translation materials, or take other steps, attempting to place restrictions on the use of translated materials. To ensure a commissioning party owns any copyrights that may exist in translations, it is best for a commissioning party to have translation companies sign an agreement. Such agreements should specify that the commissioning party owns any and all copyrights in the translated materials and requires translation companies not to attempt to limit the usage rights of the commissioning party.