Copyrights Law in Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha (BOT)
Copyright law in Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha — a British Overseas Territory (BOT) — is shaped by a combination of local legislation and UK copyright law influences. Here’s a detailed overview:
🇬🇧 Copyright Law in Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
🔹 Legal Framework
Each territory has its own legal system, but copyright law is largely based on UK legislation due to its status as a British Overseas Territory.
Saint Helena has a local copyright ordinance modeled closely on UK law.
Ascension and Tristan da Cunha generally follow the laws of Saint Helena or have their own adapted provisions.
The principal law in Saint Helena is the Copyright Ordinance, 2006 (or the most recent amendment).
🔹 What Is Protected?
Similar to UK copyright law, protected works include:
Literary works (books, articles, computer programs)
Musical works and lyrics
Dramatic works
Artistic works (paintings, drawings, photographs)
Films and sound recordings
Broadcasts
Typographical arrangements of published editions
🔹 Rights Granted
The copyright owner has exclusive rights to:
Copy the work
Issue copies to the public
Perform, show, or play the work in public
Make adaptations or translations
Communicate the work to the public
🔹 Duration of Copyright
For literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works: Author’s life + 70 years
For films: 70 years from the date of release
For sound recordings and broadcasts: 50 years from creation or publication
🔹 Registration
No formal registration system is required.
Copyright exists automatically upon creation of a qualifying work.
🔹 Enforcement
Infringement cases are handled by local courts.
Remedies include injunctions, damages, and account of profits.
Criminal penalties can apply for willful infringement.
🔹 Other Notes
Being a small territory, copyright awareness and enforcement may be limited.
The local government and cultural bodies may provide some support for creators.
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