Copyrights Law in Guam (US)
Here’s an overview of copyright law in Guam, a U.S. unincorporated territory:
📘 Legal Framework
Copyright law in Guam is governed by U.S. federal copyright law, primarily the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, codified in Title 17 of the United States Code.
As a U.S. territory, no separate or local copyright law exists in Guam.
🧠 What Is Protected?
The same types of works protected under U.S. law are protected in Guam:
Literary works (books, software, articles)
Musical works (compositions and lyrics)
Dramatic works
Pantomimes and choreographic works
Pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works
Motion pictures and other audiovisual works
Sound recordings
Architectural works
📅 Duration of Copyright
Under U.S. law (and therefore in Guam):
Life of the author + 70 years for individual works
95 years from publication or 120 years from creation (whichever is shorter) for works made for hire or anonymous works
Specific terms apply to sound recordings and pre-1978 works under transitional rules
🌍 International Treaties
As a U.S. territory, Guam benefits from all international copyright agreements signed by the United States, including:
Berne Convention
WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT)
WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT)
TRIPS Agreement
⚖️ Rights Granted
Copyright owners (in Guam and the U.S.) hold:
The right to reproduce the work
The right to prepare derivative works
The right to distribute copies
The right to perform and display the work publicly
The right to perform sound recordings by digital transmission
📝 Registration
Registration is optional, done through the U.S. Copyright Office in Washington, D.C.
While not required for protection, registration is mandatory to sue for infringement in federal court.
Guam residents register their copyrights the same way U.S. mainland residents do—via the Copyright Office website.
⚖️ Enforcement
Copyright infringement is enforced under U.S. federal law.
Cases are brought in U.S. District Court for the District of Guam.
Remedies include injunctions, actual and statutory damages, attorney’s fees, and criminal penalties for willful infringement.
Summary:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Law | U.S. Copyright Act (Title 17, U.S. Code) |
| Protected Works | Literary, artistic, musical, audiovisual, etc. |
| Duration | Life + 70 years; 95/120 years for corporate/anonymous works |
| Registration | Optional; via U.S. Copyright Office |
| International Treaties | Berne, WCT, WPPT, TRIPS (via U.S. treaties) |
| Enforcement | U.S. District Court of Guam (civil/criminal) |
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