Copyrights Law in Lebanon
Copyright law in Lebanon is governed by national legislation and Lebanon’s international commitments. Here’s an overview of how copyright is handled in the country:
🏛️ Main Law
Law No. 75 of 1999 on the Protection of Literary and Artistic Property is the primary copyright legislation in Lebanon. It came into effect on April 3, 1999, and aligns with international copyright standards.
📌 Key Features of Lebanon’s Copyright Law
✅ What is Protected
The law protects original literary and artistic works, including:
Books, articles, speeches
Musical compositions
Paintings, drawings, photography
Audiovisual works (films, videos)
Computer programs and software
Maps and architectural designs
🔐 Exclusive Rights
The copyright holder has the exclusive rights to:
Reproduce the work
Distribute copies
Perform the work publicly
Broadcast or communicate the work
Translate or adapt the work
📅 Duration of Protection
Author’s lifetime + 50 years after death
For audiovisual works: 50 years from the date of publication
Anonymous or pseudonymous works: 50 years from publication (unless identity is revealed)
⚖️ Moral Rights
Lebanese law recognizes moral rights, meaning the author has:
The right to be credited
The right to object to distortion or modification
Moral rights last indefinitely, even after economic rights expire
🌐 International Conventions
Lebanon is a member of:
Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
This means Lebanese copyright law is harmonized with global standards.
❌ Infringement and Penalties
Copyright infringement can lead to:
Civil penalties (damages and injunctions)
Criminal penalties including fines and imprisonment (especially for commercial-scale violations)
📝 Registration
Copyright protection does not require registration
However, authors can voluntarily deposit works with the Ministry of Economy and Trade as evidence of authorship
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