Copyrights Law in Romania
Here's a clear overview of Copyright Law in Romania:
📘 Legal Framework in Romania
1. Primary Law
Law No. 8/1996 on Copyright and Neighboring Rights
This is Romania’s core copyright legislation. It has been updated multiple times to align with EU directives and international treaties.
🛡️ What Is Protected?
Copyright in Romania protects original works of authorship, including:
Literary works (books, articles, poetry)
Musical works (with or without lyrics)
Cinematographic and audiovisual works
Artistic works (paintings, sculptures)
Photographic works
Computer programs (software)
Architectural works
Databases (if sufficiently original)
⚖️ Rights Granted
Economic Rights
These give the author control over how their work is used:
Reproduction
Distribution
Public communication (including online)
Rental or lending
Adaptation or translation
Moral Rights
Romanian law strongly protects moral rights:
Right to be recognized as the author (attribution)
Right to the integrity of the work (prevent distortion or modification)
Right to withdraw the work from public use
Right to decide when and how the work is made public
🕒 Duration of Protection
Author’s lifetime + 70 years
For works with multiple authors: 70 years after the last surviving author's death
For anonymous/pseudonymous works: 70 years from publication
Neighboring rights (e.g., performers, producers, broadcasters) have different durations, generally around 50 years.
🌍 International Treaties and EU Law
Romania is a member of:
Berne Convention
WIPO Copyright Treaty
TRIPS Agreement
And fully complies with EU directives on copyright and digital rights.
🏛️ Administration and Enforcement
ORDA (Romanian Copyright Office – Oficiul Român pentru Drepturile de Autor) is the central body that manages copyright matters.
Authors can enforce rights in civil and criminal courts.
Penalties for infringement may include:
Fines
Seizure and destruction of pirated goods
Compensation for damages
📌 Other Key Points
Registration is not mandatory to obtain copyright protection—it exists automatically once a work is created and fixed in a tangible form.
Software is protected under both copyright law and specific provisions related to computer programs.
Exceptions / fair use include:
Private use
Education and research
Quotation and parody
Use by libraries and archives under specific rules
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