Copyrights Law in Kiribati
Here’s an overview of copyright law in Kiribati as of 2025:
Copyright Law in Kiribati
1. Legal Framework
Copyright in Kiribati is governed by the Copyright Act, 2016.
Kiribati is a member of international treaties including:
Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works
WIPO Copyright Treaty
TRIPS Agreement (as a member of the WTO)
2. Protected Works
The law protects original works such as:
Literary works (books, articles, software)
Artistic works (paintings, sculptures, drawings)
Musical compositions
Cinematographic and audiovisual works
Sound recordings
Broadcasts and performances
3. Rights Conferred
Economic rights: Reproduction, distribution, public performance, broadcasting, and adaptation rights.
Moral rights: Right to be attributed as the author and to object to derogatory treatment of the work.
Protection is automatic upon creation; no registration is required.
4. Duration of Protection
Copyright protection lasts for life of the author plus 50 years after death.
For anonymous or pseudonymous works, 50 years from the date of publication.
Related rights (performers, producers) are also protected for 50 years.
5. Limitations and Exceptions
Fair dealing exceptions include:
Private use
Criticism, review, and news reporting
Use for educational purposes
Libraries and archives under certain conditions
6. Enforcement
Enforcement of copyright is through civil courts.
Remedies include injunctions, damages, and seizure of infringing materials.
Criminal penalties may apply for willful infringement.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Law | Copyright Act, 2016 |
| Protection | Automatic, no registration required |
| Protected Works | Literary, artistic, musical, audiovisual |
| Duration | Life + 50 years |
| Rights | Economic and moral rights |
| Exceptions | Private use, criticism, education, libraries |
| Enforcement | Civil and criminal remedies |
RELATED Blog
0 comments