Copyrights Law in Micronesia
Here’s an overview of copyright law in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM):
📜 Copyright Law in Micronesia
The Federated States of Micronesia follows copyright regulations based on Title 8 - Intellectual Property, particularly the Copyright Act. The law is designed to protect authors’ rights consistent with international standards, including the Berne Convention principles.
⚖️ Key Features
✅ Works Protected
Literary works (books, articles, poetry)
Musical works
Artistic works (paintings, drawings, photographs)
Cinematographic works (films, videos)
Computer programs and software
Sound recordings and broadcasts
🔐 Exclusive Rights
Authors and copyright holders have exclusive rights to:
Reproduce and copy the work
Distribute copies publicly
Perform or display the work publicly
Make derivative works (translations, adaptations)
Authorize others to use the work
📅 Duration of Protection
Author’s lifetime + 50 years after death for most works
For anonymous or pseudonymous works, protection is 50 years from publication or creation if unpublished
For works created for hire or corporate works, typically 50 years from publication or creation
🛡️ Moral Rights
The law recognizes the author’s moral rights, such as:
Attribution (right to be credited)
Integrity (right to object to distortion or modification)
🌍 International Agreements
Micronesia is a member or observer of international agreements that influence its copyright framework, including:
Berne Convention (by extension through the US, FSM’s Compact of Free Association)
WIPO treaties
TRIPS Agreement (via association with WTO principles)
📝 Registration
Copyright protection arises automatically upon creation
Registration is not mandatory but can help in legal enforcement and proof of ownership
⚖️ Enforcement and Penalties
Civil remedies include injunctions and damages
Criminal penalties for deliberate infringement may apply
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