Copyrights Law in Wallis and Futuna (France)
Wallis and Futuna is a French overseas collectivity (collectivité d’outre-mer), meaning it is legally and administratively part of France. Therefore, French copyright law fully applies in Wallis and Futuna.
🇫🇷 Copyright Law in Wallis and Futuna
📜 Governing Law:
Code de la propriété intellectuelle (French Intellectual Property Code)
Harmonized with European Union directives, although EU law does not apply directly in Wallis and Futuna due to its status outside the EU customs and VAT areas.
Applicable international treaties include the Berne Convention, TRIPS, WIPO Copyright Treaty, and others.
📚 Types of Works Protected:
Protected works include:
Literary works (books, articles, code)
Musical compositions
Audiovisual works (films, shows)
Photographs
Artistic works (paintings, drawings)
Software
Databases (under certain conditions)
⏳ Duration of Protection:
Author’s life + 70 years after death for most works
Anonymous/pseudonymous works: 70 years after publication
Collaborative works: 70 years after death of the last surviving author
Photographs and software: same rules as literary/artistic works
🧑⚖️ Rights Granted:
Moral Rights (droit moral):
Right of attribution (paternity)
Right to object to distortion (integrity)
Right to disclose or withdraw the work
Perpetual, inalienable, and imprescriptible
Economic Rights:
Reproduction
Distribution
Public performance and communication
Adaptation and translation
Transferable and licensable
🧾 Registration:
Copyright is automatic upon creation of a work.
No registration is required for protection.
Registration may be used for proof of authorship (e.g., via deposit with a notary or collecting society).
⚖️ Enforcement:
Enforced by French courts, including those with jurisdiction in Wallis and Futuna
Remedies include:
Injunctions
Damages
Seizure of infringing materials
Criminal sanctions (in severe cases)
🏛️ Rights Management Societies:
French collecting societies also apply in Wallis and Futuna, such as:
SACEM (music)
ADAGP (visual arts)
SACD (audiovisual and dramatic works)
They manage rights, distribute royalties, and support enforcement.
🌍 International Treaties:
Since France is a party, the following apply:
Berne Convention
WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT)
TRIPS Agreement
Rome Convention
✅ Summary Table:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Law | French Intellectual Property Code |
| Duration | Life + 70 years |
| Rights | Economic + Moral |
| Registration | Not required |
| Enforcement | French courts and authorities |
| International Treaties | Berne, WIPO, TRIPS, Rome |
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