Copyrights Law in Laos
Here’s an overview of Copyright Law in Laos:
🇱🇦 Copyright Law in Laos
Legal Framework
Copyright in Laos is governed primarily by the Law on Intellectual Property (No. 36/NA, 2017), which covers copyright and related rights.
The law aligns with international standards and obligations under treaties such as the Berne Convention and the WIPO Copyright Treaty.
Enforcement is managed by the Intellectual Property Department under the Ministry of Science and Technology.
Protected Works
The law protects original works in various categories including:
Literary works (books, articles, computer programs)
Musical works and lyrics
Artistic works (paintings, sculptures, drawings)
Cinematographic and audiovisual works
Photographs
Performances (performers’ rights)
Sound recordings
Broadcasts
Duration of Protection
| Type of Work | Duration |
|---|---|
| Literary, artistic, musical works | Life of the author + 50 years after death |
| Anonymous or pseudonymous works | 50 years from publication |
| Cinematographic and audiovisual works | 50 years from first publication |
| Performers, phonogram producers, broadcasters | 50 years from performance or publication |
Rights Granted
Economic Rights: Include reproduction, distribution, public performance, broadcasting, communication to the public, adaptation, and translation.
Moral Rights: Right to claim authorship and to object to distortion or modification that harms the author's reputation.
Exceptions and Limitations
Certain uses are permitted without authorization, such as:
Private use
Educational and scientific research
Quotation and criticism
News reporting
These exceptions are designed not to conflict with the normal exploitation of the work or unreasonably prejudice the author’s rights.
Enforcement
Infringement of copyright may result in civil and criminal penalties.
Remedies include injunctions, damages, fines, and possible imprisonment.
The Intellectual Property Department and courts oversee enforcement.
International Treaties
Laos is a member of:
Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works
WIPO Copyright Treaty
TRIPS Agreement
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