Copyrights Law in Myanmar
Here’s a concise overview of Copyright Law in Myanmar:
Copyright Law in Myanmar
1. Governing Legislation
Myanmar’s copyright regime is primarily governed by the Copyright and Arbitration Act 1914, which is a colonial-era law that still largely applies.
However, Myanmar has been in the process of updating its intellectual property laws to align with international standards, including new drafts and proposals to modernize copyright law.
The Myanmar Intellectual Property Department (under the Ministry of Commerce) oversees IP matters.
2. Protected Works
Under Myanmar law, copyright protection applies to:
Literary works (books, articles, pamphlets)
Dramatic, musical, and artistic works
Cinematographic films and sound recordings
Computer software
Architectural works
Other original works of authorship
3. Duration of Copyright
The general term of protection is life of the author plus 50 years after death.
For anonymous or pseudonymous works, protection lasts 50 years from the date of publication.
Cinematographic works, sound recordings, and broadcasts are protected for 50 years from publication or fixation.
4. Rights Granted
Moral Rights: Right of attribution and integrity (though these are less explicitly detailed compared to some jurisdictions).
Economic Rights: Exclusive rights to reproduce, adapt, distribute, perform, and broadcast the work.
5. Limitations and Exceptions
Myanmar copyright law includes provisions for:
Fair dealing for private study, research, criticism, and news reporting.
Use by libraries and archives.
Educational use under certain conditions.
Quotation for purposes of criticism or review.
6. Enforcement
Enforcement is through civil courts.
Copyright infringement can lead to damages and injunctions.
Criminal penalties are also possible but less frequently applied.
Administrative structures for IP enforcement are improving but still developing.
7. International Treaties
Myanmar is a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
Myanmar is not yet a full member of the Berne Convention (as of now), but is working toward aligning its laws with international IP standards.
It is a member of the TRIPS Agreement through its WTO membership.
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