Copyrights Law in Transnistria
Here’s an overview of copyright law in Transnistria (also known as the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic), a self-proclaimed, unrecognized state within Moldova:
📜 Copyright Law in Transnistria
🔹 Political and Legal Context
Transnistria is a de facto independent territory, but not internationally recognized.
Its legal system operates independently from Moldova, including on intellectual property.
However, because of its unrecognized status, international treaties like the Berne Convention are not officially applicable.
Transnistria has its own copyright laws, but enforcement and recognition outside the territory are limited.
🔹 Governing Law
Transnistria has enacted copyright legislation modeled after Soviet and post-Soviet legal traditions, and partly inspired by international norms.
The primary copyright legislation is the Law on Copyright and Related Rights of Transnistria.
This law protects works of authorship and related rights within its territory.
🔹 What Is Protected?
Similar to most copyright regimes, protection covers:
Literary works (books, articles, computer software)
Musical compositions and lyrics
Dramatic and choreographic works
Artistic works (paintings, photographs, sculptures)
Cinematographic and audiovisual works
Sound recordings
Broadcasts
🔹 Rights Granted
Exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, perform, and communicate works publicly.
Moral rights (right to authorship, integrity) are recognized.
Rights can be assigned or licensed.
🔹 Duration of Protection
Typically, life of the author plus 50 years (similar to many post-Soviet states).
Related rights usually last 50 years from creation or publication.
🔹 Registration
Copyright exists automatically upon creation.
There may be a local voluntary registration system for evidence in disputes.
🔹 Enforcement
Enforcement is carried out by Transnistrian courts.
However, due to lack of international recognition, copyright protection and enforcement outside Transnistria is uncertain.
Cross-border enforcement is practically difficult.
🔹 International Treaties and Recognition
Transnistria is not a party to international copyright treaties (e.g., Berne Convention, WIPO treaties).
Its copyright laws apply only within its controlled territory.
Summary
| Aspect | Transnistria Copyright Law |
|---|---|
| Governing law | Local law based on Soviet/post-Soviet models |
| Protection scope | Standard copyright works and related rights |
| Duration | Life + 50 years |
| Registration | Automatic; possible voluntary registration |
| Enforcement | Local courts; limited international recognition |
| International treaties | Not party to Berne or WIPO treaties |
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