Copyrights Law in Equatorial Guinea

Here’s an overview of copyright law in Equatorial Guinea:

📘 Legal Framework

Copyright in Equatorial Guinea is governed by Law No. 1/1999 on Copyright and Related Rights.

The law protects authors’ rights over literary, artistic, and scientific works.

The government agency responsible for copyright administration is the Ministry of Culture and Sports.

🧠 What Is Protected?

The law protects:

Literary works (books, articles, computer programs)

Artistic works (paintings, sculptures, photographs)

Musical works (compositions and lyrics)

Dramatic and choreographic works

Audiovisual works (films, videos)

Sound recordings

Performances of performers

Broadcasts and publications

📅 Duration of Copyright

Generally, copyright lasts for the life of the author plus 50 years after death.

For anonymous or pseudonymous works, the term is 50 years from the date of publication.

For audiovisual works, sound recordings, and broadcasts, protection lasts 50 years from creation or publication.

🌍 International Treaties

Equatorial Guinea is a member of:

Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works

WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT)

WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT)

World Trade Organization (WTO) TRIPS Agreement

⚖️ Rights Granted

Authors and rights holders have:

Moral rights (right of attribution and integrity)

Economic rights (reproduction, distribution, public performance, broadcasting, adaptation)

⚖️ Enforcement

Copyright infringement cases are handled through the national courts.

Remedies include injunctions, damages, and seizure of infringing materials.

Criminal sanctions may apply for willful infringement.

Summary:

AspectDetails
Governing LawLaw No. 1/1999 on Copyright and Related Rights
Protected WorksLiterary, artistic, musical, audiovisual, performances
DurationLife + 50 years; 50 years for anonymous works
International TreatiesBerne, WCT, WPPT, TRIPS
EnforcementNational courts, civil and criminal remedies

 

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