Copyrights Law in Benin
Here’s a comprehensive overview of copyright law in Benin:
🇧🇯 Copyright Law in Benin
1. Governing Legislation
The main law governing copyright in Benin is:
Law No. 2005-30 of April 5, 2006, on Copyright and Neighboring Rights.
Administered by the Benin Copyright Office (BUBEDRA) – Bureau Béninois du Droit d’Auteur.
2. Protected Works
Benin’s copyright law protects all original intellectual creations, including:
Literary works (books, articles, software, etc.)
Artistic works (paintings, drawings, sculptures)
Musical compositions and lyrics
Audiovisual works (films, videos)
Dramatic and choreographic works
Photographs
Architectural works
Derivative and collective works
Neighboring rights also cover:
Performers
Phonogram producers
Broadcasting organizations
3. Rights Granted
Moral rights (perpetual and inalienable):
Right to claim authorship
Right to protect the integrity of the work
Economic rights:
Right to reproduce, distribute, perform, broadcast, translate, adapt, etc.
4. Duration of Protection
Moral rights: Unlimited (perpetual)
Economic rights:
Life of the author + 70 years
For joint works: 70 years after the death of the last surviving author
For audiovisual works and anonymous/pseudonymous works: 70 years from publication
For related rights (e.g., performances): typically 50 years from the date of performance or publication
5. Registration
Not required for protection – rights exist automatically upon creation.
Optional registration with BUBEDRA is recommended for legal proof and management.
6. International Treaties
Benin is a member of:
Berne Convention
WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT)
Rome Convention
TRIPS Agreement (via WTO membership)
WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT)
Member of OAPI (African Intellectual Property Organization) – but OAPI does not handle copyright (only industrial property)
7. Enforcement
Civil, administrative, and criminal remedies are available.
Sanctions include fines, injunctions, damages, and seizure of infringing goods.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Law | Law No. 2005-30 (2006) |
| Administering Body | BUBEDRA (Benin Copyright Office) |
| Duration of Protection | Life + 70 years (economic), perpetual (moral) |
| Registration | Optional but recommended |
| International Treaties | Berne, TRIPS, WCT, WPPT, Rome Convention |
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