Copyrights Law in Papua New Guinea
Here’s an overview of Copyright Law in Papua New Guinea (PNG):
📘 Copyright Law in Papua New Guinea
🔹 Governing Law
The Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act 2000 is the primary legislation.
PNG is also a member of international copyright treaties such as the Berne Convention and the WIPO treaties.
🔹 What is Protected?
The law protects original works including:
Literary works (books, articles, software)
Musical works and lyrics
Artistic works (paintings, photographs, sculptures)
Cinematographic works and audiovisual materials
Sound recordings
Broadcasts and performances
🔹 Duration of Copyright
| Type of Work | Duration |
|---|---|
| Literary, Musical, Artistic Works | Life of author + 50 years |
| Cinematographic Works, Sound Recordings, Broadcasts | 50 years from publication or creation |
🔹 Rights of Copyright Holders
Exclusive rights include:
Reproduction and distribution
Public performance and communication
Making adaptations and translations
Licensing or assigning rights to others
🔹 Registration
Copyright arises automatically upon creation.
PNG does not require formal registration, but copyright owners may keep evidence to support their ownership.
🔹 Infringement and Remedies
Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution constitutes infringement.
Remedies include injunctions, damages, fines, and possible imprisonment.
Enforcement is through the courts.
🔹 Exceptions (Fair Use)
The law allows limited use without permission for:
Private study or research
Criticism or review
Reporting current events
Educational purposes
🔹 International Treaties
PNG’s participation in treaties like the Berne Convention ensures:
Automatic protection of foreign works
Minimum protection standards aligned globally
RELATED Blog
0 comments