Copyrights Law in Cambodia
Here’s an overview of copyright law in Cambodia as of 2025:
Copyright Law in Cambodia
1. Legal Framework
Copyright in Cambodia is governed by the Law on Copyright and Related Rights (2003), which was updated in 2021.
The law is administered by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts.
Cambodia is a member of several international treaties, including:
Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works
WIPO Copyright Treaty
TRIPS Agreement (under WTO membership)
Rome Convention (related rights)
2. Protected Works
Copyright protects:
Literary works (books, articles, software)
Artistic works (paintings, sculptures, drawings)
Musical works and compositions
Audiovisual works (films, videos)
Photographs
Architectural works
Other original works expressed in a tangible form
3. Rights Conferred
Economic rights: Reproduction, distribution, public performance, broadcasting, and adaptation rights.
Moral rights: Right to attribution and protection of the integrity of the work.
Rights are automatic upon creation; registration is not required but can be done to assist enforcement.
4. Duration of Protection
Copyright lasts for the life of the author plus 50 years after death.
For anonymous or pseudonymous works, 50 years from the date of publication.
Related rights typically last 50 years from publication or performance.
5. Limitations and Exceptions
Exceptions include:
Use for private purposes
Quotation for criticism or review
Use in education and research
Libraries and archives usage
All exceptions should comply with fair use principles.
6. Enforcement
Enforcement is through civil and criminal courts.
Remedies include injunctions, damages, and destruction of infringing materials.
Criminal penalties apply for intentional infringement.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Law | Law on Copyright and Related Rights (2003, amended 2021) |
| Protection | Automatic upon creation; registration optional |
| Protected Works | Literary, artistic, musical, audiovisual, software, architectural works |
| 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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