Copyrights Law in Jamaica
Here’s a detailed overview of copyright law in Jamaica:
📘 Legal Framework
Copyright in Jamaica is governed by the Copyright Act, 1993, as amended.
The Act is administered by the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO).
Jamaica is committed to protecting copyright in accordance with international standards.
🧠 What Is Protected?
The law protects original works including:
Literary works (books, articles, software)
Artistic works (paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs)
Musical works and lyrics
Dramatic and choreographic works
Cinematographic films and audiovisual works
Sound recordings
Broadcasts and cable programs
Performers’ rights
📅 Duration of Copyright
| Type of Work | Duration |
|---|---|
| Literary, artistic, musical | Life of author + 70 years |
| Anonymous/pseudonymous works | 70 years from publication |
| Cinematographic works | 70 years from publication |
| Sound recordings and broadcasts | 50 years from publication |
| Performers’ rights | 50 years from performance |
🌍 International Treaties
Jamaica is a party to key international copyright treaties:
Berne Convention
WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT)
WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT)
TRIPS Agreement
⚖️ Rights Granted
Moral rights: right to be identified as author, right to object to derogatory treatment of the work
Economic rights: reproduction, distribution, public performance, communication, adaptation, broadcasting
📝 Registration
Copyright protection arises automatically on creation of the work.
Registration with JIPO is voluntary but recommended for evidence of ownership and date.
⚖️ Enforcement
Infringement can be enforced through civil and criminal proceedings.
Remedies include injunctions, damages, destruction of infringing copies, and criminal sanctions.
Summary:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Law | Copyright Act, 1993 |
| Protected Works | Literary, artistic, musical, audiovisual |
| Duration | Life + 70 years; 50 years for sound recordings and broadcasts |
| Registration | Optional; through Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO) |
| International Treaties | Berne, WCT, WPPT, TRIPS |
| Enforcement | Civil and criminal remedies |
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