Copyrights Law in Guyana
Here’s an overview of Copyright Law in Guyana:
Copyright Law in Guyana
Guyana’s copyright protection is governed by national legislation aligned with international standards and treaties.
1. Legal Framework
Primary Law:
Copyright and Neighboring Rights Act, Chapter 82:05 (enacted in 1997).
Administering Body:
Copyright Office, Ministry of Education (handles registrations and copyright policy).
Guyana is a member of international treaties, including:
Berne Convention (since 1999),
WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT),
Rome Convention,
TRIPS Agreement (through WTO membership).
2. Protected Works
The law protects original works expressed in any tangible medium, including:
Literary works (books, articles, computer programs),
Musical compositions,
Artistic works (paintings, sculptures, photographs),
Cinematographic and audiovisual works,
Sound recordings and broadcasts,
Derivative works and adaptations.
3. Rights Granted
Economic Rights: Right to reproduce, distribute, perform, broadcast, communicate to the public, and make adaptations.
Moral Rights: Right to claim authorship and to object to any distortion or mutilation of the work.
4. Duration of Protection
| Type of Work | Duration |
|---|---|
| Literary, artistic, musical | Life of author + 50 years after death |
| Sound recordings and broadcasts | 50 years from first publication or broadcast |
5. Exceptions and Limitations
Includes fair dealing for:
Private study or research,
Criticism or review,
News reporting,
Education,
Libraries and archives,
Persons with disabilities.
6. Registration
Copyright protection arises automatically upon creation.
Registration is optional but serves as evidence of ownership and date of creation.
7. Enforcement
Copyright infringement can be enforced through civil courts.
Remedies include injunctions, damages, seizure of infringing copies, and fines.
Criminal penalties apply for willful infringement on a commercial scale.
8. International Treaties
Guyana follows international copyright standards as a member of:
Berne Convention,
WIPO Copyright Treaty,
Rome Convention,
TRIPS Agreement.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Law | Copyright and Neighboring Rights Act (1997) |
| Protected Works | Literary, musical, artistic, audiovisual |
| Duration | Life of author + 50 years |
| Rights | Economic and moral rights |
| Registration | Automatic; optional registration |
| Enforcement | Civil and criminal remedies |
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