Copyrights Law in Cyprus
Here’s a clear overview of Copyright Law in Cyprus:
Copyright Law in Cyprus
Cyprus’ copyright system protects literary, artistic, and other creative works and is aligned with EU directives and international agreements.
1. Legal Framework
Primary Legislation: The main law is the Copyright and Related Rights Law, Law No. 59(I)/2012, which replaced earlier laws to align with the EU Directive 2001/29/EC.
Governing Authority: The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport and Youth and other governmental bodies oversee copyright matters.
Cyprus is a member of international treaties including:
Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works,
WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT),
TRIPS Agreement (via EU membership),
Rome Convention (for related rights).
2. Protected Works
Copyright protects original works such as:
Literary works (books, articles, computer programs),
Musical works,
Artistic works (paintings, sculptures, photographs),
Cinematographic works and audiovisual recordings,
Broadcasts and sound recordings,
Databases (under certain conditions).
3. Rights Granted
Economic rights: Reproduction, distribution, public communication, broadcasting, rental, and making works available.
Moral rights: Right to claim authorship and to object to derogatory treatment of the work.
4. Duration of Protection
Generally, copyright lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years after their death.
For works of joint authorship, 70 years after the death of the last surviving author.
For cinematographic works, sound recordings, and broadcasts, protection lasts 70 years from publication or communication to the public.
5. Exceptions and Limitations
Includes fair use and fair dealing for purposes such as criticism, review, teaching, research, and private use.
Libraries, educational institutions, and public broadcasters have certain exceptions.
6. Registration
Copyright protection is automatic upon creation and does not require formal registration.
However, voluntary registration can be used as evidence of authorship in disputes.
7. Enforcement
Infringements are addressed through civil and criminal procedures.
Remedies include injunctions, damages, seizure of infringing copies, and fines or imprisonment for serious offenses.
8. International Treaties
Cyprus is bound by international copyright agreements through its EU membership and direct treaty participation:
Berne Convention,
WIPO treaties,
TRIPS,
Rome Convention.
Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Law | Copyright and Related Rights Law 59(I)/2012 |
| Protected Works | Literary, musical, artistic, audiovisual, broadcasts |
| Duration | Life of author + 70 years |
| Rights | Economic and moral rights |
| Registration | Not required, but optional |
| Enforcement | Civil and criminal remedies |
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