Copyrights Law in Hungary
Here’s a detailed overview of Copyright Law in Hungary:
ðŸ‡ðŸ‡º Copyright Law in Hungary
Legal Framework
Hungary’s copyright law is primarily governed by Act LXXVI of 1999 on Copyright (the Hungarian Copyright Act).
The law implements the requirements of the European Union Copyright Directives.
Hungary is a party to major international treaties such as the Berne Convention, WIPO Copyright Treaty, and the TRIPS Agreement.
Protected Works
Literary works (books, articles, computer programs)
Musical works (compositions and lyrics)
Artistic works (paintings, sculptures, photographs)
Cinematographic works (films, videos)
Dramatic works
Architectural works
Databases (if original in selection or arrangement)
Other intellectual creations in the literary, scientific, or artistic domain
Duration of Copyright
The general term of protection is the life of the author plus 70 years after death.
For anonymous or pseudonymous works, copyright lasts 70 years from the date of lawful publication.
For cinematographic works, photographic works, and works of applied art, the term is also 70 years from publication.
Related rights (performers, producers, broadcasters) have protection terms of 50 years from performance or publication.
Rights Granted
Economic rights:
Reproduction
Distribution
Communication to the public
Public performance
Adaptation, translation, and other derivative works
Moral rights:
Right to be identified as the author
Right to object to any distortion or mutilation of the work
Right to decide on first disclosure/publication
Exceptions and Limitations
Hungarian copyright law incorporates EU exceptions and limitations, including:
Quotation for criticism or review
Use for education and scientific research
Use for the disabled (accessible formats)
Private copying with remuneration to authors
Temporary copies necessary for technical processes (e.g., caching)
Libraries, archives, and museums’ specific exceptions
Registration
Copyright protection arises automatically upon creation; no formal registration is required.
Voluntary registration is possible and can be helpful as evidence in infringement disputes.
Enforcement and Remedies
Civil remedies include injunctions, damages, and destruction of infringing copies.
Criminal sanctions may apply in cases of willful infringement.
Courts and the Hungarian Intellectual Property Office (HIPO) oversee enforcement.
International Treaties
Hungary is a party to:
Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works
WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT)
TRIPS Agreement
European Union Copyright Directives
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