Copyrights Law in Palau
Here’s a summary of Copyright Law in Palau:
📚 Legal Framework
1. Primary Legislation
Palau’s copyright law is governed by:
Title 35 - Intellectual Property of the Palau National Code (P.N.C.), specifically the Palau Copyright Act of 1998.
The law protects copyright and related rights within Palau.
2. International Treaties
Palau is a member of:
Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works (acceded in 1999)
WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT)
Rome Convention (for performers and producers)
TRIPS Agreement (under WTO, as a member of the Pacific Islands Forum)
🖋️ Scope of Protection
Protected works include:
Literary works (books, articles, computer programs)
Musical compositions and lyrics
Artistic works (paintings, sculptures, photographs)
Audiovisual works (films, videos)
Sound recordings
Architectural works
⏳ Duration of Protection
Author’s life + 50 years after death.
For anonymous or pseudonymous works: 50 years from publication.
For audiovisual works and related rights: 50 years from first publication or performance.
✅ Conditions for Protection
Protection is automatic upon creation of an original work fixed in tangible form.
No registration is required.
📥 Rights Granted
Moral Rights (non-transferable)
Right to claim authorship
Right to object to distortion or mutilation affecting the author’s honor or reputation
Economic Rights (transferable/licensable)
Reproduction
Distribution
Public performance and display
Adaptation and translation
Communication to the public
⚖️ Exceptions and Limitations
Palau’s copyright law includes exceptions such as:
Private use
Fair use for criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, and research
Use by libraries and archives
🛡️ Enforcement
Copyright infringement can be pursued through civil courts.
Remedies include injunctions, damages, and destruction of infringing copies.
Criminal penalties are also applicable in serious cases.
📌 Additional Notes
Palau’s copyright regime is consistent with international norms and the frameworks of the Pacific region.
Collective management of rights may be limited due to the country’s small size.
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