Copyrights Law in Pakistan
Here’s a detailed overview of Copyright Law in Pakistan:
📚 Legal Framework
1. Primary Legislation
The governing law is the Copyright Ordinance, 1962, which has been amended several times, with the latest significant amendment in 2012 to address digital and internet-related issues.
The Copyright Rules, 1963 provide procedural details.
The Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (IPO Pakistan) administers copyrights.
2. International Treaties Pakistan is a Party To
Berne Convention (joined in 1997)
TRIPS Agreement (under WTO)
WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT)
Rome Convention for performers and producers
Universal Copyright Convention (UCC)
🖋️ Scope of Protection
Copyright protects original works fixed in a tangible medium, including:
Literary works (books, articles, computer programs)
Musical works
Artistic works (paintings, drawings, sculptures)
Cinematographic films and sound recordings
Broadcasts
Sound and video recordings
⏳ Duration of Protection
Author’s life + 50 years after death.
For works of corporate authorship or anonymous works: 50 years from publication.
For cinematographic films, sound recordings, and broadcasts: 50 years from publication or communication to the public.
✅ Protection Requirements
Protection is automatic upon creation and fixation.
No registration is required, but registration is available and can be used as evidence in court.
Work must be original and expressed in a tangible form.
📥 Rights Granted
Moral Rights (cannot be assigned)
Right of attribution
Right to object to distortion or mutilation of the work
Economic Rights (transferable/licensable)
Reproduction
Adaptation and translation
Public distribution
Public performance and communication
Broadcasting
⚖️ Exceptions & Limitations
Pakistan copyright law includes fair dealing exceptions for:
Private and personal use
Criticism, review, and news reporting
Teaching and research
Use by libraries and archives
Incidental inclusion in other works
🛡️ Enforcement & Remedies
Infringement remedies include:
Civil actions: injunctions, damages, and accounts of profits
Criminal penalties: fines and imprisonment for willful infringement
Customs authorities can seize pirated copies
Courts in Pakistan have jurisdiction over copyright disputes
📌 Additional Points
Pakistan is working to improve IP enforcement in line with international obligations.
Collective management organizations exist for licensing and royalty collection.
The law has provisions addressing digital rights management and anti-circumvention.
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