Copyrights Law in Bulgaria
Here is a detailed overview of Copyright Law in Bulgaria:
📚 Copyright Law in Bulgaria
Bulgaria’s copyright framework protects authors and creators of original works and is fully harmonized with European Union directives and key international treaties.
1. Legal Framework
Primary Law:
Copyright and Related Rights Act (CRRA), originally adopted in 1993, with multiple amendments (latest major ones reflecting EU Directives).
Enforcement Authority:
Ministry of Culture, and
Bulgarian Patent Office (for some related rights and registrations).
Bulgaria is a member of:
Berne Convention,
WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT),
Rome Convention,
TRIPS Agreement,
European Union (adheres to the EU copyright directives).
2. Protected Works
The law protects original intellectual creations in a tangible form, including:
Literary works (books, articles, software),
Musical compositions,
Artistic works (paintings, photographs, sculptures),
Cinematographic and audiovisual works,
Architectural works,
Databases (if original),
Performances, sound recordings, and broadcasts (related rights).
3. Rights Granted
✅ Economic Rights:
Reproduction,
Distribution,
Public performance,
Broadcasting and communication to the public,
Translation and adaptation,
Rental and lending.
✅ Moral Rights:
Right of authorship,
Right to have the author's name mentioned,
Right to integrity (protection from distortion or alteration of the work).
4. Duration of Protection
| Type of Work | Duration |
|---|---|
| Literary/artistic works | Life of author + 70 years |
| Anonymous/pseudonymous works | 70 years from publication |
| Cinematographic works | 70 years after the death of the last surviving main contributor |
| Related rights (e.g., performers, producers) | 50 years from publication/performance (can vary with EU updates) |
5. Exceptions and Limitations
Bulgaria recognizes fair use and specific exceptions for:
Quotation and criticism,
Education and teaching,
Libraries and archives,
Private use (non-commercial),
Use by people with disabilities.
All exceptions must not conflict with the normal exploitation of the work and must not unreasonably prejudice the legitimate interests of the author.
6. Registration
Not required – Copyright arises automatically upon creation of the work.
Optional registration with the Ministry of Culture is available for evidentiary purposes.
7. Enforcement
Enforcement mechanisms include:
Civil remedies: Injunctions, damages, destruction of infringing materials.
Criminal sanctions: Fines and imprisonment for serious or commercial-scale infringement.
Administrative procedures: Possible under consumer protection and IP enforcement laws.
8. International Treaties
Bulgaria, through its EU membership and national treaties, adheres to:
Berne Convention,
WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT),
Rome Convention,
TRIPS Agreement,
EU Copyright Directives, including the Digital Single Market Directive (EU 2019/790).
✅ Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Law | Copyright and Related Rights Act (1993, amended) |
| Protected Works | Literary, musical, artistic, audiovisual, software |
| Duration | Life of author + 70 years |
| Rights | Economic + moral rights |
| Registration | Not required (optional for proof) |
| Enforcement | Civil, criminal, and administrative remedies |
| International Treaties | Berne, WCT, TRIPS, Rome, EU Directives |
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