Copyrights Law in Northern Mariana Islands (US)
Hereโs an overview of Copyright Law in the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), a U.S. territory:
๐ Copyright Law in Northern Mariana Islands
The Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) is a commonwealth in political union with the United States. Therefore, U.S. federal copyright law fully applies in CNMI.
๐ Key Features of Copyright Law in CNMI
Legal Framework
Governed by the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976 (and subsequent amendments).
The Copyright Act applies uniformly across all U.S. states and territories, including CNMI.
Protected Works
Literary works (books, articles, software)
Musical works and sound recordings
Dramatic works and choreography
Pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works
Motion pictures and audiovisual works
Architectural works
Automatic Protection
Copyright protection is automatic once a work is fixed in a tangible medium.
Registration with the U.S. Copyright Office is optional but required to enforce rights in court.
Duration of Protection
For works created after January 1, 1978: Life of the author + 70 years.
For works made for hire, anonymous, or pseudonymous works: 95 years from publication or 120 years from creation, whichever is shorter.
Rights Granted
Exclusive rights include reproduction, distribution, public performance, public display, and creation of derivative works.
Moral rights are limited under U.S. law but exist for certain works (e.g., visual arts).
Limitations and Exceptions
Fair use doctrine allows limited use without permission for purposes like criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research.
๐ International Treaties
As part of the U.S., CNMI is covered by all U.S. international copyright obligations, including:
Berne Convention
WIPO Copyright Treaty
TRIPS Agreement
Other international copyright treaties ratified by the U.S.
โ๏ธ Enforcement
Enforcement is through U.S. federal courts, including district courts in the CNMI or the nearest federal district.
Remedies include injunctions, damages (actual and statutory), and criminal penalties for willful infringement.
๐๏ธ Authorities
The U.S. Copyright Office administers registration and records.
Federal courts handle disputes and enforcement.
Local law enforcement may assist with criminal copyright infringement cases.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Law | U.S. Copyright Act of 1976 (and amendments) |
| Protection Duration | Life + 70 years; 95/120 years for corporate or anonymous works |
| Protected Works | Literary, musical, audiovisual, architectural, software, etc. |
| Registration | Optional but required to sue in court |
| Moral Rights | Limited, mainly for visual arts |
| Exceptions | Fair use doctrine |
| International Treaties | Berne, WIPO, TRIPS, etc. |
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