Copyrights Law in Liechtenstein
Copyright law in Liechtenstein is largely harmonized with international and European standards. Here’s a detailed overview:
📜 Copyright Law in Liechtenstein
1. Legal Framework
National Law: The main source of copyright law is the Copyright Act (Urheberrechtsgesetz - URG).
European Influence: Liechtenstein is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA), so it follows EU directives on copyright.
International Treaties:
Berne Convention
WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT)
TRIPS Agreement (via WTO membership)
Rome Convention (for related rights)
2. Protected Works
Under Liechtenstein law, the following are protected:
Literary works (books, articles)
Artistic works (paintings, drawings)
Musical compositions
Dramatic works
Photographs
Software and databases (under certain conditions)
Films and audiovisual works
3. Rights Granted
Authors receive both economic and moral rights:
🧾 Economic Rights:
Reproduction
Distribution
Public performance
Communication to the public
Adaptation and translation
✍️ Moral Rights:
Right to be named as the author
Right to object to distortions or modifications
4. Duration of Protection
Author’s lifetime + 70 years after death.
For anonymous/pseudonymous works: 70 years from publication.
For films: 70 years after the death of the last surviving of the principal creators.
For photographs: 50 years (if not considered artistic work).
5. Limitations and Exceptions
Private copying (within limits)
Use for education and research
Quotations
News reporting (with proper attribution)
6. Related (Neighboring) Rights
Liechtenstein also protects:
Performers
Producers of phonograms
Broadcasting organizations
7. Enforcement
Civil Remedies: Injunctions, damages, and destruction of infringing copies.
Criminal Penalties: For intentional infringement on a commercial scale.
Customs Measures: Against the import/export of infringing goods.
8. Collective Management
Rights can be managed through collecting societies. Liechtenstein recognizes and cooperates with foreign collecting societies due to its close ties with Switzerland and the EU.
9. Digital Environment
Liechtenstein has implemented:
Anti-circumvention provisions (against DRM-breaking)
Liability rules for internet service providers
Copyright protections for digital content
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