Copyrights Law in Sudan
Sudan's copyright framework is primarily governed by the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Protection and Literary and Artistic Works Act, 2013, which superseded earlier legislation, including the 1996 Act. This Act aligns Sudan with international standards, notably the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, to which Sudan acceded in 2000
📚 Scope of Protection
The 2013 Act offers protection to original works in literature, science, and the arts, encompassing:
Written works (books, articles, reports)
Dramatic and musical works
Artistic works (paintings, sculptures, drawings)
Audiovisual works
Photographic works
Architectural works
Computer programs and electronic databases
Maps and scientific illustrations
Protection extends to derivative works, such as translations and adaptations
The standard duration of copyright protection is the lifetime of the author plus 50 years after their death. For works of joint authorship, protection lasts 50 years from the death of the last surviving author. For anonymous or pseudonymous works, protection is 50 years from the date of publication .
⚖️ Exclusions from Protection
The Act does not extend protection to:
Official documents, including laws, administrative orders, and judicial judgments
Daily news and similar information
Ideas, methods, principles, and mere facts
State emblems and symbols quires prior authorization from the Ministry of Culture and Information .
📝 Registration and Formalities
While copyright protection is automatic upon creation, registration is optional but recommended as it serves as prima facie evidence of authorship in legal disputes. Registration of contracts transferring economic rights is mandatory .
🛡️ Enforcement and Penalties
The Act provides for civil and criminal penalties for copyright infringement, including fines and imprisonment. The courts have the authority to grant injunctions, order the impounding and destruction of infringing copies, and award damages .
🌐 International Treaties
As a member of the Berne Convention, Sudan offers reciprocal protection to foreign works and ensures that Sudanese works are protected in other member countries without the need for formal registration .
🏢 Administrative Authority
The Registrar General of Intellectual Property, under the Ministry of Justice, is responsible for administering copyright matters in Sudan. The office can be contacted at
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