Maldives Parliament Passes Amendment to Boost Copyright Protections
Parliament on Monday passed an amendment to the Copyright and Other Related Rights Act (23/2010), outlining new protections and clarifications on the use of copyrighted works.
This amendment, which aims to safeguard the intellectual property of local creators and manufacturers, was introduced on July 1, 2024. The newly amended Act incorporates several critical updates to the existing law:
Expanded Scope of Protection: The law now explicitly protects literary and artistic works, performances, sound recordings, and broadcasts created within the Maldives. This ensures comprehensive coverage of intellectual property produced in the country.
Simplified Copyright Acquisition: Copyright ownership does not require formal registration under the law. However, creators and rights holders can opt to register their works with the Ministry for additional documentation and security.
Legal Recourse for Rights Violations: Rights holders are empowered to take legal action in competent courts against any person who violates or is suspected of intending to violate their copyright.
Compensation for Damages: The amendment provides rights holders with the ability to seek compensation for any damages resulting from copyright infringements, ensuring accountability and redress. In cases of infringement, the penalty for violating copyright can range from approximately USD 650 to USD 6,450, depending on the severity and nature of the violation. If the infringement is intentional, a criminal penalty of approximately USD 3,250 to USD 19,500 may be imposed.
Extended Copyright Term: The duration of copyright protection has been extended from 50 years to 70 years, aligning the Maldives' standards with international practices and ensuring longer-term benefits for creators and their heirs.
Circumstances for Permissible Use: The amendment defines additional circumstances under which copyrighted works can be copied or used, striking a balance between protecting rights and enabling limited fair use for educational, research, or other purposes permitted by law.
This amendment offers stronger protection for the creative works of artists and performers, as well as businesses, in the digital age. It establishes a clear legal framework to defend intellectual property rights in our increasingly interconnected world.
