Adapting books to audiobooks is an important step in expanding access to information and knowledge, in line with the development of technology and the need to listen to books instead of reading traditional texts. However, to do this legally and in compliance with the law, applying for a license to adapt is mandatory. So how to apply for a license to adapt to audiobooks? Follow the article of VCD below.
1. What is adapting books to audiobooks?
Books are intellectual products of humans accumulated through practical knowledge, culture, and history. A book is a collection of pages or documents containing text or images, bound together into a book for the purpose of preserving and transmitting knowledge, information, or entertainment.
Adapting books to audiobooks is the process of adapting the content of a book from text to sound. This allows the listener to access the content of the book through the voice, rather than having to read it with their eyes. Audiobooks are usually recorded with one or more speakers speaking the content. This process may include the addition of background music or sound effects to enhance the listener’s enjoyment.
An audiobook license is an official legal document that allows a printed book (or e-book) to be adapted into an audio format to become an audiobook. This allows the work to be experienced through listening, rather than reading directly from the text. This license protects the rights of the author and publisher, and ensures that the original content is used legally and does not infringe on intellectual property rights.
2. Conditions and documents to apply for a license to adapt a book into an audiobook
To apply for a license to adapt a book into an audiobook, you need to meet the following conditions:
- Ownership or licensing: must prove legal ownership of the original work or have a license to use the content from the copyright owner. This also applies to cases of quoting content from other works (if necessary).
- Consent from the author or copyright owner: If the author is still alive or can be verified, you need to get consent from them or from the copyright holder to carry out the conversion.
- Conpliance with copyright laws: The adaptation must adhere to copyright regulations and not infringe upon any other legal statutes related to the content.
- Copyright application procedures: Submission of copyright-related documents may be required, along with obtaining a license from an appropriate cultural or media management agency (such as the Copyright Office).
- Certificate or supporting documents: In certain instances, additional documents may be needed to justify the purpose of the adaptation, ensuring that the final product meets prescribed quality standards.
To apply for a license to adapt a book into an audiobook, you need to prepare the following documents and information:
- Application for a license to adapt a book into an audiobook, you need to prepare the following documents and information:
- Application for a license to adapt a book into an audiobook: The application must clearly state the reason and purpose of adapting a book into an audiobook.
- Copy of the original book publication: A copy of the original work that has been published or announced.
- Publishing license decision: A copy of the decision to allow the publication of the original book from the competent authority.
- Adaptation contract: A contract signed between you and the copyright owner of the original book.
- Audiobook sample or audiobook script: A sample or script of the book after adaptation.
- Personal documents: Copy of ID card, passport or other identification documents to confirm identity.
- Other relevant documents: Additional documents (if any), such as proof of purpose of use or registered copyright certificate.
After completing the application, you can submit it directly to the publishing management agency or send it by post. The processing time will depend on the management agency and it usually takes a certain amount of time to review and grant a license
3. In which cases is a license not granted to adapt to audiobooks
According to Article 20 of the Law on Intellectual Property, the right to create derivative works (such as adapting books into audiobooks) is one of the property rights of the author or copyright owner. This means that the author or copyright owner has the exclusive right to perform or license others to perform derivative works. If an individual or organization wants to make a derivative work, they must ask for permission and have the consent of the copyright owner. At the same time, they must pay royalties and other material benefits to the owner.
According to Article 28, Clause 2 of the Law on Intellectual Property, any act of adaptation without the consent of the author or without paying royalties is considered an infringement of the author’s property rights. This is a violation of the law, and the copyright owner has the right to request compensation or sue the infringing parties.
Consequence, adapting a book into an audiobook without the consent and full payment of royalties will be considered an act of copyright infringement, and may lead to legal consequences.
Above is the article “Requesting permission to adapt to audiobook” that VCD sent to you. We hope this article is useful to you.
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