Copyrights Law in Rwanda
Copyright Law in Rwanda
Copyright in Rwanda is governed by Law No. 31/2009 of 26/10/2009 on the Protection of Intellectual Property. This law aligns with international treaties such as the Berne Convention and the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), to which Rwanda is a member.
1. What Is Protected by Copyright in Rwanda?
The Rwandan law protects original literary and artistic works, including:
Books, pamphlets, articles, and other writings
Music (with or without lyrics)
Paintings, drawings, sculptures, and architecture
Films, documentaries, and audiovisual works
Computer programs and databases
Photography and maps
Lectures, speeches, sermons, and oral works
The work must be original and fixed in a tangible medium.
2. Who Owns the Copyright?
The author or creator is the original rights holder.
In case of employment, the employer may own the copyright if agreed upon in writing.
For commissioned works, the author retains rights unless a contract transfers them.
3. Duration of Copyright
| Type of Work | Duration |
|---|---|
| Literary and artistic works | Lifetime of the author + 50 years after death |
| Anonymous/pseudonymous | 50 years from publication |
| Audiovisual works | 50 years from publication |
| Applied art | 25 years from creation |
| Collective works | 50 years from publication |
4. Economic and Moral Rights
Economic rights include the right to:
Reproduce the work
Perform or display the work publicly
Distribute copies
Translate or adapt the work
Communicate it to the public by any means
Moral rights include:
Right of attribution (to be recognized as the author)
Right to object to distortion or modification
Right to withdraw the work from circulation (under certain conditions)
5. Limitations and Exceptions (Fair Use)
Certain uses of copyrighted works are permitted without authorization, such as:
Private use and study
Quotation for criticism, comment, or review (with attribution)
Educational uses for teaching and research
News reporting
Use by libraries and archives for preservation
6. Infringement and Enforcement
Copyright infringement includes unauthorized:
Copying
Public distribution or performance
Broadcasting or adaptation
Penalties may include:
Civil damages
Injunctions
Criminal prosecution (in cases of willful infringement)
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the Rwanda Society of Authors (RSAU) help with copyright registration, licensing, and enforcement.
7. Registration of Copyright
Copyright exists automatically upon creation of the work.
Registration is optional but useful for legal evidence in disputes.
Authors can register their works with RSAU for added protection and royalty management.
8. International Context and Treaties
Rwanda is a member of several international agreements:
Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works
TRIPS Agreement
WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization)
Summary
Rwanda protects original works in line with international standards.
Rights last for the author’s life + 50 years.
Both economic and moral rights are recognized.
Fair use and educational exemptions are allowed.
Enforcement mechanisms are in place, with optional registration.
RELATED Blog
0 comments