Copyrights Law in Denmark
Here’s a clear overview of copyright law in Denmark as of 2025:
Copyright Law in Denmark
1. Legal Framework
Copyright in Denmark is governed primarily by the Danish Copyright Act (Ophavsretsloven), first enacted in 1995 and amended several times.
Denmark is a member of key international copyright treaties, including:
Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Copyright Treaty
Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS)
EU Directives related to copyright (Denmark is an EU member)
2. What is Protected?
Works protected under Danish copyright law include:
Literary works (books, articles, computer programs)
Artistic works (paintings, drawings, sculptures)
Musical compositions
Films, photographs, and audiovisual works
Databases and digital content
Protection is automatic upon creation and does not require registration.
3. Rights Conferred
Economic rights: The creator has exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, perform, broadcast, and make adaptations of the work.
Moral rights: The creator has the right to be recognized as the author and to object to derogatory treatment of the work.
Economic rights can be transferred or licensed; moral rights generally remain with the creator.
4. Duration of Protection
Copyright lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years after the author's death.
For works of joint authorship, 70 years after the last surviving author's death.
For anonymous or pseudonymous works, 70 years from the date of publication.
5. Limitations and Exceptions
Fair use exceptions include:
Quotation for criticism or review
Use for teaching or research
Use by libraries and archives under certain conditions
Private copying for personal use is allowed but subject to a levy system.
6. Enforcement
Enforcement through civil courts.
Remedies include injunctions, damages, and account of profits.
Criminal sanctions apply in cases of willful infringement.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Law | Danish Copyright Act (Ophavsretsloven) |
| Protection | Automatic upon creation, no registration |
| Protected Works | Literary, artistic, musical, audiovisual, software, databases |
| Duration | Life of author + 70 years |
| Rights | Economic rights & moral rights |
| Exceptions | Quotation, teaching, private use, libraries |
| Enforcement | Civil and criminal remedies |
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