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.
RELATED Blog
0 comments