Copyrights Law in Nepal
Here’s a detailed summary of Copyright Law in Nepal:
📘 Copyright Law in Nepal
🔹 Governing Legislation
The main legislation is the Copyright Act, 2059 (2002), which has been amended several times.
It aligns with international treaties like the Berne Convention and the TRIPS Agreement.
🔹 What Does Copyright Protect?
Original works including:
Literary works (books, articles, software)
Artistic works (paintings, sculptures, photographs)
Musical compositions and lyrics
Cinematographic films and audiovisual works
Sound recordings
Broadcasts and performances
🔹 Duration of Copyright
| Type of Work | Duration |
|---|---|
| Literary, Artistic, Musical Works | Lifetime of author + 50 years |
| Cinematographic and Sound Recordings | 50 years from publication |
| Anonymous or Pseudonymous Works | 50 years from publication |
🔹 Rights of Copyright Owners
Exclusive rights to:
Reproduce and distribute the work
Perform, display or communicate it publicly
Create derivative works or translations
Authorize others to use the work
🔹 Registration
Copyright protection is automatic upon creation.
Registration with the Department of Copyright is optional but recommended to provide legal evidence of ownership.
🔹 Infringement and Penalties
Infringement includes unauthorized copying, public use, distribution, or adaptation.
Penalties include:
Fines (amount varies)
Imprisonment (up to 2 years or more depending on severity)
Civil damages and injunctions
🔹 Exceptions and Limitations (Fair Use)
Certain uses are permitted without authorization for:
Personal or educational use
Criticism, review, or news reporting
Libraries and archives
Non-commercial research
🔹 International Treaties
Nepal is a signatory to:
Berne Convention
WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT)
TRIPS Agreement
These ensure Nepalese copyright laws meet global standards.
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