Copyrights Law in Austria
Here’s an overview of copyright law in Austria as of 2025:
Copyright Law in Austria
1. Legal Framework
Copyright in Austria is governed by the Austrian Copyright Act (Urheberrechtsgesetz – UrhG).
Austria is a member of key international agreements:
Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works
WIPO Copyright Treaty
TRIPS Agreement
European Union directives on copyright (Austria is an EU member)
2. Protected Works
The law protects a wide range of works, including:
Literary works (books, articles, computer software)
Artistic works (paintings, sculptures, photographs)
Musical compositions
Audiovisual works (films, videos)
Databases and other digital works
3. Rights Conferred
Economic rights: Exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, perform, broadcast, and adapt the work.
Moral rights (Urheberpersönlichkeitsrecht): Includes the right to be recognized as the author, to object to distortion or mutilation, and to decide on the disclosure of the work.
Economic rights can be transferred or licensed, but moral rights remain with the author.
4. Duration of Protection
Copyright protection lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years after death.
For joint works, 70 years after the last surviving author’s death.
For anonymous or pseudonymous works, 70 years from the date of publication.
5. Limitations and Exceptions
Exceptions include:
Quotation for criticism or review
Use for teaching and scientific research
Use for reporting current events
Private copying for personal use under specific conditions
Use by libraries and archives
6. Enforcement
Enforcement through Austrian courts.
Remedies include injunctions, damages, destruction of infringing copies, and criminal sanctions for willful infringement.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Law | Austrian Copyright Act (UrhG) |
| Protection | Automatic, no registration required |
| Protected Works | Literary, artistic, musical, audiovisual, software, databases |
| Duration | Life of author + 70 years |
| Rights | Economic and moral rights |
| Exceptions | Quotation, teaching, research, private copying |
| Enforcement | Civil and criminal remedies through courts |
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