Copyrights Law in Tanzania
Here’s an overview of Copyright Law in Tanzania:
Copyright Law in Tanzania
1. Legal Framework
Tanzania’s copyright law is governed by the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act, 1999, which sets out the protection of copyright and related rights in the country.
Tanzania is a member of several international copyright treaties, including the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works and the WIPO Copyright Treaty.
2. Protected Works
The law protects a broad range of original works, including:
Literary works (books, articles, computer programs)
Artistic works (paintings, sculptures, photographs)
Musical works (compositions and lyrics)
Dramatic works
Cinematographic films and audiovisual works
Sound recordings
Broadcasts
Published editions (typographical arrangements)
3. Rights Granted
Copyright holders have exclusive rights to:
Reproduce the work
Publish and distribute copies
Perform or display the work publicly
Broadcast or communicate the work to the public
Make adaptations or translations
Control rental and lending in certain cases
4. Duration of Protection
Copyright protection generally lasts for the life of the author plus 50 years after death.
For cinematographic works, sound recordings, broadcasts, and published editions, protection lasts for 50 years from the date of publication or communication to the public.
5. Infringement and Enforcement
Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution constitutes infringement.
Remedies include injunctions, damages, and destruction or forfeiture of infringing copies.
Criminal sanctions may apply for willful infringement, including fines and imprisonment.
6. Limitations and Exceptions
Exceptions in Tanzanian law include:
Fair dealing for purposes of research, private study, criticism, review, or news reporting.
Educational use and use by libraries for preservation.
Use by persons with disabilities for access.
7. International Treaties
Tanzania is a party to:
The Berne Convention
The WIPO Copyright Treaty
The TRIPS Agreement (through the East African Community and WTO membership)
These treaties require Tanzania to provide minimum standards for copyright protection.
Summary
Tanzania’s copyright law offers protection for original works consistent with international standards, lasting generally for the life of the author plus 50 years. The law provides a range of exclusive rights to copyright holders and includes mechanisms for enforcement and exceptions for fair use and educational purposes.
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