Copyrights Law in Burundi
Here’s an overview of copyright law in Burundi as of 2025:
Copyright Law in Burundi
1. Legal Framework
Copyright in Burundi is governed by Law No. 1/17 of 3 March 2006 on Copyright and Related Rights.
The law protects authors and creators of literary, artistic, and scientific works.
Burundi is a member of international treaties such as:
Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works
WIPO Copyright Treaty
TRIPS Agreement (as part of the WTO framework)
2. Protected Works
Copyright protects original works including:
Literary works (books, articles, computer programs)
Artistic works (paintings, sculptures, drawings)
Musical works and compositions
Cinematographic and audiovisual works
Photographs
Other original intellectual creations expressed in a tangible form
3. Rights Conferred
Economic rights: Exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, perform, broadcast, and adapt the work.
Moral rights: Rights of authorship, including the right to be credited and to object to derogatory treatment.
Rights are automatic upon creation and do not require registration.
4. Duration of Protection
Copyright lasts for the life of the author plus 50 years after death.
For joint works, 50 years after the last surviving author’s death.
For anonymous or pseudonymous works, 50 years from publication.
5. Limitations and Exceptions
Includes exceptions such as:
Private copying for personal use
Quotation for criticism or review
Use for education and research
Use by libraries and archives under specific conditions
6. Enforcement
Enforcement is managed through the judicial system.
Remedies include injunctions, damages, and destruction of infringing copies.
Criminal sanctions may apply for intentional infringement.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Law | Law No. 1/17 of 3 March 2006 |
| Protection | Automatic upon creation, no registration required |
| Protected Works | Literary, artistic, musical, audiovisual, software |
| Duration | Life of author + 50 years |
| Rights | Economic and moral rights |
| Exceptions | Private use, quotation, education, archives |
| Enforcement | Civil and criminal remedies |
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