SINCE the early 21st century, one concept that has gained popularity is copyright. Before that, copyright was thought to apply only to literary and artistic works. However, with changing times, advancing technologies, and increasing com­petition, the field of intellectual property rights has expanded significantly. It has become increasingly important across various sectors, including business, education, and social affairs. Copy­right is now an issue that concerns not only legal experts and businesspeople but everyone.

In today’s era, alongside the development of intellectual property, digital technologies are also advancing at an astonishing pace. In fields such as literature and music, unauthorized copying and use of creative works have become increasingly common. Using someone else’s effort without permission constitutes a se­rious violation of human rights. Only by respecting others’ efforts based on integrity, recognizing and acknowledging them properly, giving appropriate credit, and using correct valuation can we truly support and promote the creation and production of intellectual works.

However, due to the un­authorized use and copying of intellectual property, disputes over copyright have become more frequent in today’s rap­idly developing field of artifi­cial intelligence. Therefore, protecting the rights of intel­lectual property has become a necessity. Only by safeguard­ing copyright can the creation and production of intellectual works be strengthened. Ac­cordingly, relevant national authorities must implement fair and proper decisions to support and promote the cre­ation and production of intel­lectual property.

The World Intellectual Property Organization classi­fies intellectual property into industrial property rights and literary and artistic property rights. Industrial property rights include inventions, trademarks, and industrial designs, while literary and artistic property rights cover literature, music, the arts, photography, and audiovisual works.

Obtaining copyright protection allows creators to understand and appreciate the rights that arise from their creations, which in turn encourages greater innovation. It strengthens creative efforts across various fields. Intellectual property rights can be effectively utilized to promote the social and economic develop­ment of humanity. Therefore, intellectual property laws not only protect the talent and efforts of innovators but also contribute to the development of the nation.

Myanmar has enacted the industrial design law, trademark law, patent law and copyright law. According to the data of the WIPO, submission of intellectual rights is on the rise year by year across the world. Many countries protect intellectual property through comprehensive and well-established laws, treaties, and systems. It is important to understand that respecting copyright protection requires valuing our ethics, personal integrity, and human dignity.