Copyrights Law in Panama
Here’s a concise overview of Copyright Law in Panama:
Copyright Law in Panama
1. Governing Legislation
Panama’s copyright system is governed primarily by Law No. 15 of February 7, 1994, known as the Copyright and Related Rights Law.
This law incorporates protections for literary, artistic, and related works consistent with international standards.
2. Protected Works
The law protects a wide range of works including:
Literary works (books, articles, computer software)
Musical works
Artistic works (paintings, sculptures, drawings)
Cinematographic works and audiovisual creations
Photographic works
Broadcasts and performances
Databases and compilations
3. Duration of Protection
Life of the author plus 70 years after death (Panama provides a longer protection term than many countries).
For anonymous or pseudonymous works: 70 years from publication.
For cinematographic works and sound recordings: 70 years from publication or fixation.
4. Rights Granted
Moral Rights: Includes the right of attribution and integrity — the author can object to modifications that distort the work.
Economic Rights: Exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, perform, broadcast, make derivative works, and communicate the work to the public.
5. Exceptions and Limitations
Fair use exceptions for private study, teaching, research, criticism, and news reporting.
Use by libraries and archives under specific conditions.
Quotations for review or educational purposes.
6. Enforcement
Enforcement through Panama’s judicial system.
Civil remedies include injunctions and damages.
Criminal penalties apply for intentional infringement, including fines and imprisonment.
The National Directorate of Copyright (Dirección Nacional de Derechos de Autor) administers copyright matters.
7. International Agreements
Panama is a party to major international copyright treaties, including:
Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works
WIPO Copyright Treaty
TRIPS Agreement (under the World Trade Organization)
Rome Convention (for related rights)
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