Copyrights Law in Uganda
Absolutely! Here's a clear overview of Copyright Law in Uganda:
Copyright Law in Uganda
Legal Framework
The primary legislation is the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act, 2006.
Uganda is a member of key international copyright treaties, including:
Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works
WIPO Copyright Treaty
Rome Convention
TRIPS Agreement (via WTO membership)
The law is administered and enforced by the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) and the Uganda Copyright Board (UCB).
Subject Matter Protected
Copyright protects original works such as:
Literary works (books, articles, computer programs)
Musical works and lyrics
Artistic works (paintings, sculptures, photographs)
Cinematographic works and audiovisual creations
Sound recordings and broadcasts
Derivative works and compilations
Rights Granted
Economic rights: Exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, perform, broadcast, and make adaptations of the work.
Moral rights: Right to claim authorship and object to distortion or mutilation that harms the author’s honor or reputation.
These rights can be assigned or licensed.
Duration of Protection
Copyright lasts for the life of the author plus 50 years after death.
For cinematographic works, sound recordings, and broadcasts, protection lasts 50 years from publication or fixation.
Anonymous or pseudonymous works are protected for 50 years from publication.
Exceptions and Limitations
The Act allows certain exceptions, including:
Use for private or personal purposes
Quotation for criticism, review, or news reporting
Use for educational, research, and library purposes
Use in judicial proceedings
These exceptions are narrowly applied and must not conflict with the normal exploitation of the work.
Enforcement
Infringement can result in:
Civil remedies: injunctions, damages, and account of profits.
Criminal sanctions: fines and imprisonment for willful infringement on a commercial scale.
The Uganda Police and courts handle enforcement actions.
Registration
Copyright protection arises automatically upon creation; registration is optional but can provide evidence in disputes.
The Uganda Copyright Board maintains a registry for works.
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