Copyrights Law in Tunisia
Certainly! Here’s a summary of copyright law in Tunisia:
🇹🇳 Copyright Law in Tunisia
📜 Governing Legislation:
Law No. 94-36 of 1994 on the Protection of Copyright and Related Rights (latest major framework)
Tunisia is a member of international copyright treaties like the Berne Convention and the WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT).
📚 Types of Works Protected:
Tunisian copyright law protects original works such as:
Literary works (books, articles, computer programs)
Musical works
Artistic works (paintings, sculptures, photographs)
Cinematographic works (films)
Sound recordings
Broadcasts
Dramatic works
Derivative and collective works
⏳ Duration of Copyright:
General works: Life of the author plus 50 years after death
Anonymous or pseudonymous works: 50 years from publication
Sound recordings and broadcasts: 50 years from publication
Duration may be extended in some cases by related rights provisions.
🧑⚖️ Rights Granted:
Economic Rights: Right to reproduce, translate, distribute, perform, broadcast, and adapt the work
Moral Rights: Right to claim authorship and to respect the integrity of the work; these rights are perpetual and inalienable
Rights can be licensed, assigned, or inherited.
🔐 Ownership:
The author is the first owner of copyright.
In cases of employment or commissioned works, copyright ownership rules depend on contracts or specific statutory provisions.
Protection is automatic upon creation, with no need for formal registration.
⚖️ Enforcement and Remedies:
Copyright infringement is both a civil and criminal offense.
Remedies include injunctions, damages, fines, and imprisonment.
Enforcement is conducted by Tunisian courts and relevant administrative authorities.
🌐 International Treaties:
Tunisia is a party to:
Berne Convention
WIPO Copyright Treaty
Rome Convention (for related rights)
TRIPS Agreement
This ensures international protection and reciprocity.
📝 Summary Table:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Law | Law No. 94-36 of 1994 |
| Protected Works | Literary, musical, artistic, films, broadcasts, software |
| Duration | Life + 50 years |
| Rights | Economic + Moral |
| Registration | Not required (automatic) |
| Enforcement | Civil and criminal remedies |
| International Treaties | Berne, WIPO, Rome, TRIPS |

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