Copyrights Law in Mexico
Sure! Here’s a clear overview of Copyright Law in Mexico:
📚 1. Governing Law
The main law governing copyright in Mexico is the Ley Federal del Derecho de Autor (Federal Copyright Law), enacted in 1996, with amendments over time.
Mexico is also part of several international copyright treaties.
🛡️ 2. What is Protected?
Protected works include:
Literary works (books, articles, software)
Musical works (scores, lyrics)
Artistic works (paintings, sculptures, photographs)
Audiovisual works (films, videos)
Dramatic and choreographic works
Architectural works
Derivative works (translations, adaptations)
Computer programs (software)
🕒 3. Duration of Protection
Author’s lifetime + 100 years after their death (recently extended from 75 years).
For anonymous or pseudonymous works: 100 years after publication.
Moral rights last indefinitely and are inalienable.
✍️ 4. Moral and Economic Rights
Moral rights include:
Right of authorship attribution
Right to decide how and when the work is disclosed
Right to integrity (prevent distortion or modification)
Economic rights include:
Reproduction
Distribution
Public performance and communication
Translation and adaptation rights
🔄 5. Exceptions and Limitations
Mexican copyright law allows limited exceptions, including:
Personal, private, and non-commercial use (private copy)
Quotations with proper attribution
Use for educational, research, and library purposes
Parody and satire (under certain conditions)
🏛️ 6. Registration
Copyright is automatic upon creation, but registration with the National Copyright Institute (Instituto Nacional del Derecho de Autor, INDAUTOR) provides legal evidence of authorship and date.
Registration is not mandatory but recommended for enforcement.
⚖️ 7. Enforcement and Remedies
Infringement can lead to:
Civil lawsuits for damages
Criminal penalties including fines and imprisonment
Injunctions and seizure of infringing copies
Enforcement is handled by civil courts, with criminal prosecution available for serious cases.
🌐 8. International Treaties
Mexico is a member of key treaties such as:
Berne Convention
WIPO Copyright Treaty
TRIPS Agreement
Universal Copyright Convention
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