Copyrights Law in Antigua and Barbuda
Here’s an overview of copyright law in Antigua and Barbuda:
📘 Legal Framework
Copyright in Antigua and Barbuda is governed by the Copyright Act, 1997.
The Act protects authors’ rights over their literary, artistic, musical, and other creative works.
The Intellectual Property Office under the Ministry of Legal Affairs oversees copyright administration.
🧠 What Is Protected?
Protected works include:
Literary works (books, articles, computer programs)
Artistic works (paintings, sculptures, photographs)
Musical compositions and lyrics
Dramatic and choreographic works
Cinematographic films
Sound recordings
Broadcasts and performances
📅 Duration of Copyright
Copyright lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years after their death.
For anonymous or pseudonymous works, the term is 70 years from publication.
For cinematographic films, sound recordings, and broadcasts, protection lasts 50 years from publication.
🌍 International Treaties
Antigua and Barbuda is a member of several key international copyright treaties:
Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works
WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT)
WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT)
TRIPS Agreement under the WTO
⚖️ Rights Granted
Copyright owners have:
Moral rights (right to attribution and integrity)
Economic rights (rights to reproduce, distribute, perform, display, and adapt works)
Right to authorize or prohibit third parties from exercising these rights.
⚖️ Enforcement
Infringement cases are handled in the courts of Antigua and Barbuda.
Remedies include injunctions, damages, and destruction of infringing copies.
Criminal penalties may apply in cases of willful infringement.
Summary:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Law | Copyright Act, 1997 |
| Protected Works | Literary, artistic, musical, audiovisual, performances |
| Duration | Life + 70 years; 70 years for anonymous works |
| International Treaties | Berne, WCT, WPPT, TRIPS |
| Enforcement | Courts with civil and criminal remedies |
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