Copyrights Law in Togo
Here’s an overview of Copyright Law in Togo:
📘 Legal Framework in Togo
1. Applicable Law
Togo is a member of the Organisation Africaine de la Propriété Intellectuelle (OAPI) — the African Intellectual Property Organization.
Copyright in Togo is governed primarily by the Bangui Agreement (1977, revised 1999) on copyright and related rights, which applies to all OAPI member states, including Togo.
National laws also implement these regional rules.
🛡️ What Is Protected?
Protected works under Togo’s copyright framework include:
Literary works (books, articles)
Musical works and lyrics
Artistic works (paintings, sculptures)
Cinematographic and audiovisual works
Photographs
Computer programs
Architectural works
Dramatic and choreographic works
⚖️ Rights Granted
Economic Rights
Reproduction
Distribution
Public performance and communication
Adaptation and translation
Moral Rights
Right to be recognized as the author
Right to object to distortion or modification that harms the author’s reputation
Right to withdraw the work from circulation under certain conditions
🕒 Duration of Protection
Author’s life + 50 years after death
For anonymous or pseudonymous works: 50 years from publication
Neighboring rights (performers, producers) generally protected for 50 years
🌍 International Treaties
Togo is a party to:
Berne Convention
Bangui Agreement
WIPO Treaties
TRIPS Agreement (via WTO membership)
🏛️ Administration and Enforcement
Intellectual property rights in Togo are administered through OAPI, with centralized registration and enforcement systems.
Enforcement can be sought through civil courts and administrative bodies.
Sanctions include damages, injunctions, and criminal penalties.
📌 Additional Notes
Copyright protection arises automatically; registration with OAPI is optional but useful as evidence.
There are exceptions for private use, education, and libraries.
The Bangui Agreement harmonizes copyright law across member states, making it easier to manage rights regionally.
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