Copyrights Law in Ghana
Here’s an overview of copyright law in Ghana:
Copyright Law in Ghana
1. Governing Legislation
Copyright in Ghana is governed by the Copyright Act, 2005 (Act 690).
The law is administered by the Copyright Office of Ghana, under the Ministry of Justice.
2. Protected Works
The Act protects original works including:
Literary works (books, articles, computer programs)
Artistic works (paintings, drawings, sculptures)
Musical compositions and lyrics
Cinematographic and audiovisual works
Dramatic and choreographic works
Architectural works
Sound recordings and broadcasts
3. Rights Granted
Economic rights: exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, perform, broadcast, communicate to the public, and adapt the work.
Moral rights: authorship recognition and protection against derogatory treatment or distortion.
4. Duration of Protection
Generally, copyright lasts for life of the author plus 70 years.
For works of joint authorship, protection lasts 70 years after the death of the last surviving author.
For anonymous or pseudonymous works, 70 years from the date of publication.
Sound recordings and broadcasts: 50 years from the date of first publication.
5. Registration
Copyright protection arises automatically upon creation.
Registration with the Copyright Office of Ghana is optional but recommended for evidence of ownership.
6. International Treaties
Ghana is a party to:
Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works
WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT)
WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT)
TRIPS Agreement through WTO membership
7. Enforcement
Copyright infringement can be addressed through civil, criminal, and administrative actions.
Remedies include injunctions, damages, fines, and seizure of infringing copies.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Law | Copyright Act, 2005 (Act 690) |
| Administering Body | Copyright Office of Ghana |
| Protected Works | Literary, artistic, musical, audiovisual, architectural, sound recordings |
| Duration | Life + 70 years (general), 50 years (sound recordings) |
| Registration | Optional but recommended |
| International Treaties | Berne, WIPO treaties, TRIPS |
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