Copyrights Law in Burkina Faso

Here’s an overview of Copyright Law in Burkina Faso:

Copyright Law in Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso’s copyright system is largely governed by regional agreements through the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI), which Burkina Faso is a member of.

1. Legal Framework

Copyright in Burkina Faso is regulated primarily under the Bangui Agreement, which governs intellectual property rights across OAPI member states.

The African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) administers copyright registration, protection, and enforcement on behalf of member states.

Burkina Faso also follows provisions under international treaties such as:

Berne Convention,

WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT),

Rome Convention,

TRIPS Agreement (through WTO membership).

2. Protected Works

The Bangui Agreement and OAPI copyright regulations protect:

Literary and artistic works,

Musical works,

Cinematographic works,

Photographs,

Computer programs,

Broadcasts and sound recordings,

Other original intellectual creations fixed in a tangible form.

3. Rights Granted

Economic Rights: Reproduction, distribution, public performance, broadcasting, rental, communication to the public.

Moral Rights: Right of attribution and protection of the work’s integrity.

4. Duration of Protection

General copyright protection lasts for the life of the author plus 50 years after death.

Related rights (performers, phonograms, broadcasting organizations) are also protected for 50 years from first publication or performance.

5. Exceptions and Limitations

Exceptions generally include uses for private study, educational purposes, criticism, news reporting, and libraries.

Specific details are governed by OAPI regulations and member states’ adaptations.

6. Registration

Copyright protection arises automatically upon creation.

Registration with OAPI is possible but not mandatory and serves as proof of ownership.

7. Enforcement

Enforcement of copyright is handled through national courts of Burkina Faso.

OAPI can provide administrative support for enforcement across member states.

Remedies include injunctions, damages, seizure of infringing copies, and fines.

8. International Treaties

Burkina Faso, through OAPI and independently, is a party to:

Berne Convention,

WIPO Copyright Treaty,

Rome Convention,

TRIPS Agreement.

Summary Table

AspectDetails
LawBangui Agreement (via OAPI)
Protected WorksLiterary, musical, artistic, audiovisual
DurationLife of author + 50 years
RightsEconomic and moral rights
RegistrationAutomatic; optional registration with OAPI
EnforcementNational courts and OAPI administrative support

 

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