Copyrights Law in Latvia
Here’s a detailed overview of Copyright Law in Latvia:
🇱🇻 Copyright Law in Latvia
Legal Framework
Copyright in Latvia is governed by the Copyright Law of the Republic of Latvia, first enacted in 1999, with multiple amendments to align with European Union directives.
As a member of the European Union, Latvia adheres to the EU copyright framework.
Latvia is also a party to major international treaties such as:
Berne Convention
WIPO Copyright Treaty
TRIPS Agreement
Protected Works
Literary works (books, articles, computer programs)
Musical works (including lyrics and compositions)
Artistic works (paintings, sculptures, photographs)
Cinematographic works (films)
Dramatic works
Architectural works
Databases (with original selection or arrangement)
Other original intellectual creations in the literary, artistic, or scientific domain
Duration of Copyright
Standard term: Life of the author plus 70 years after death.
For anonymous or pseudonymous works: 70 years from lawful publication.
Cinematographic works and works of applied art enjoy 70 years from publication.
Related rights (performers, phonogram producers, broadcasters): 50 years from performance, fixation, or first publication.
Rights Granted
Economic Rights:
Reproduction, distribution, rental, and lending
Public communication and broadcasting
Adaptation, translation, and other derivative works
Moral Rights:
Right to attribution
Right to object to distortion or derogatory treatment
Right to decide on disclosure/publication
Exceptions and Limitations
Latvian law incorporates exceptions consistent with EU directives, including:
Use for quotation, criticism, or review
Use for teaching and scientific research
Private copying (with fair compensation mechanisms)
Use for people with disabilities (accessible formats)
Temporary copies (e.g., caching for technical processes)
Libraries, archives, and museums can make copies under specific conditions
Registration
Copyright protection arises automatically upon creation; no formal registration is required.
Voluntary registration is available but uncommon and mostly used for evidentiary purposes.
Enforcement and Remedies
Civil remedies: injunctions, damages, destruction of infringing copies
Criminal penalties for willful infringement
Enforcement by courts and the Latvian Patent Office, which also handles IP disputes
International Treaties
Latvia is a signatory to:
Berne Convention
WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT)
TRIPS Agreement
European Union Copyright Directives
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