Copyrights Law in Ethiopia
Here’s an overview of Copyright Law in Ethiopia:
Copyright Law in Ethiopia
Ethiopia’s copyright system protects creators' rights over literary, artistic, and scientific works, following national legislation and international treaties.
1. Legal Framework
Primary Law: Ethiopian Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Protection Proclamation No. 410/2004.
Governing Body: Ethiopian Intellectual Property Office (EIPO).
Ethiopia is a member of some international treaties, including:
Berne Convention (acceded recently),
WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT),
Other regional IP agreements.
2. Protected Works
Protection applies to:
Literary works (books, articles, computer programs),
Musical works,
Artistic works (paintings, sculptures, photographs),
Cinematographic and audiovisual works,
Broadcasts and sound recordings,
Other creative expressions fixed in a tangible form.
3. Rights Granted
Economic Rights: Right to reproduce, distribute, perform, broadcast, translate, and adapt works.
Moral Rights: Right to claim authorship and protect the integrity of the work.
4. Duration of Protection
Generally, copyright lasts for the life of the author plus 50 years after death.
For related rights (performers, producers of phonograms, broadcasting organizations), protection lasts 50 years from first publication or performance.
5. Exceptions and Limitations
Includes fair use provisions for private study, criticism, review, news reporting, teaching, and research.
Specific exceptions for libraries, educational institutions, and persons with disabilities.
6. Registration
Copyright protection arises automatically upon creation.
Registration with the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Office is optional but can serve as evidence of ownership.
7. Enforcement
Enforcement of copyright is through civil and criminal courts.
Remedies include injunctions, damages, seizure, fines, and imprisonment for serious infringements.
8. International Treaties
Ethiopia has recently acceded to the Berne Convention and is working towards broader integration into international IP frameworks.
It is a member of WIPO and follows some regional agreements.
Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Law | Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Proclamation No. 410/2004 |
| Protected Works | Literary, musical, artistic, audiovisual works |
| Duration | Life of author + 50 years |
| Rights | Economic and moral rights |
| Registration | Optional, serves as evidence |
| Enforcement | Civil and criminal remedies |
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