Copyrights Law in Russia
Here’s a concise overview of Copyright Law in Russia:
📘 Legal Framework in Russia
1. Primary Law
Part IV of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation (2006) — This part covers copyright and related rights comprehensively. It replaced the older copyright laws and aligns Russian law with international standards.
🛡️ What Is Protected?
Russian copyright law protects original works fixed in any tangible form, including:
Literary works (books, articles, scripts)
Musical compositions and lyrics
Cinematographic works and audiovisual productions
Artistic works (paintings, sculptures)
Photographs
Software and databases
Architectural designs
Scientific and technical works
⚖️ Rights Granted
Exclusive Economic Rights
Reproduction
Distribution and sale
Public display and performance
Broadcasting and communication to the public
Translation, adaptation, and other derivative works
Moral Rights
Right to authorship attribution
Right to the integrity of the work (to prevent distortion or mutilation)
Right to decide on publication
Right to retract or alter the work in certain circumstances
🕒 Duration of Protection
Life of the author + 70 years
For joint works: 70 years after the last surviving author’s death
Anonymous and pseudonymous works: 70 years from the date of lawful publication
Related rights (performers, producers, broadcasters): typically 50 years from the date of fixation or publication
🌍 International Treaties
Russia is a party to:
Berne Convention
WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT)
Rome Convention (1961)
TRIPS Agreement
This ensures protection of Russian works abroad and foreign works in Russia.
🏛️ Enforcement and Administration
There is no central copyright office in Russia; enforcement is through civil and criminal courts.
Infringement can lead to:
Civil damages and compensation
Criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment in severe cases
Injunctions and seizure of infringing goods
📌 Additional Notes
Copyright arises automatically upon creation; no registration is required, but registration can be done to serve as evidence in disputes.
Fair use exceptions are limited; Russian law provides some exceptions for:
Personal use
Quotation
Educational and scientific purposes under strict conditions
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