Copyrights Law in Mozambique
Here’s a summary of Copyright Law in Mozambique:
📚 Legal Framework
1. Primary Legislation
The main law governing copyright in Mozambique is:
Law No. 2/2003 of February 13, 2003, titled "Law on Copyright and Related Rights."
This law regulates copyright protection, neighboring rights, and the administration of these rights in Mozambique.
2. International Treaties
Mozambique is a member of important international conventions, including:
Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works
WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT)
Rome Convention (for performers, producers, and broadcasting organizations)
TRIPS Agreement (as a WTO member)
Mozambique also cooperates regionally under the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) framework.
🖋️ Scope of Protection
Copyright protects original works expressed in a tangible form such as:
Literary works (books, articles)
Musical compositions and lyrics
Artistic works (paintings, sculptures, photographs)
Audiovisual works (films, videos)
Computer software
Databases
⏳ Duration of Protection
Author’s lifetime + 50 years after death.
Anonymous or pseudonymous works: 50 years from publication.
Audiovisual works: 50 years from the first publication.
Related rights (performers, producers, broadcasters): generally 50 years from performance or publication.
✅ Protection Conditions
Protection arises automatically upon creation and fixation of the work.
No formal registration or deposit is required for protection.
📥 Rights Granted
Moral Rights (non-transferable)
Right to claim authorship
Right to object to distortion or modification that harms the author’s reputation
Economic Rights (transferable/licensable)
Reproduction
Distribution
Public performance and communication
Adaptation and translation
⚖️ Exceptions and Limitations
Mozambique’s law includes exceptions for:
Private copying for personal use
Quotation and citation for criticism or research
Use for educational purposes
Use by libraries and archives
Parody and satire
🛡️ Enforcement
Infringement may lead to:
Civil remedies: damages, injunctions, and destruction of infringing copies
Criminal penalties: fines and imprisonment
Customs officials may seize pirated goods
Courts have authority to resolve disputes and enforce copyright
📌 Additional Notes
Mozambique is developing copyright administration infrastructure, including collective management organizations.
The law addresses challenges related to digital content and internet distribution.
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