Copyrights Law in Italy
Here’s a detailed overview of Copyright Law in Italy:
🔹 Governing Law:
The main legislation is Law No. 633 of April 22, 1941, known as the Italian Copyright Law (Legge sul diritto d’autore).
Italy is a member of international treaties such as:
Berne Convention
WIPO Copyright Treaty
TRIPS Agreement
EU copyright directives, harmonizing with European Union law.
🔹 What Is Protected:
Literary works (books, articles, software)
Musical works and lyrics
Dramatic and choreographic works
Artistic works (paintings, sculptures, photographs)
Audiovisual works (films, videos)
Photographs
Architectural works
Databases and multimedia creations
Software and computer programs
🔹 Rights Granted:
Economic Rights:
Reproduction and distribution
Public performance and communication to the public
Broadcasting and making works available online
Adaptation, translation, and other derivative works
Rental and lending
Moral Rights (strongly protected):
Right of paternity (attribution)
Right of integrity (prevent distortion or mutilation)
Right of disclosure (when and how work is published)
Right of withdrawal (in some circumstances)
🔹 Duration of Protection:
Life of the author + 70 years after death.
For joint works, 70 years after the death of the last surviving author.
For anonymous or pseudonymous works: 70 years from publication.
Audiovisual works: 70 years from creation or publication, depending on circumstances.
🔹 Exceptions and Limitations:
Fair dealing provisions for:
Quotation, criticism, and review
Teaching and research
News reporting
Private copying exceptions (with equitable remuneration)
Specific exceptions for libraries and archives
Exceptions for persons with disabilities
🔹 Registration:
Copyright protection is automatic upon creation.
Voluntary registration exists with the SIAE (Società Italiana degli Autori ed Editori) for proof of authorship and administration of rights.
Registration is not required but can be helpful for enforcement.
🔹 Enforcement:
Civil remedies: injunctions, damages, and seizure of infringing materials.
Criminal penalties for willful infringement.
Collective management organizations like SIAE play a key role in rights management and enforcement.
🔹 International Treaties:
Italy is a party to:
Berne Convention
WIPO Copyright Treaty
TRIPS Agreement
Rome Convention (for related rights)
Various EU directives harmonizing copyright law
Summary:
Italy offers robust copyright protection consistent with international and European Union standards. Rights arise automatically with strong moral rights and a protection term of life plus 70 years. Voluntary registration through SIAE can support rights enforcement.
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