Parliament Passes Copyright Act Amendments: What You Need to Know

The parliament has passed amendments to the Copyright Act, introducing stricter penalties and extended protections for intellectual property rights. The revised law, approved by 57 members in today’s session, allows for fines ranging from MVR 50,000 to MVR 300,000 for copyright violations, depending on the severity of the offence.

The government-backed bill, sponsored by Nilandhoo MP Fathimath Saudha of the ruling Progressive National Congress (PNC), seeks to provide comprehensive protection for literary, artistic, and audiovisual works, as well as performances, sound recordings, and broadcasts. The amendments were formulated after a detailed review by the Social Affairs Committee and received broad support from MPs.

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Key Features of the Amendments

• Extended Protection Period: The duration of copyright protection has been increased from 50 to 70 years, offering creators longer security for their intellectual property.
• Expanded Scope of Protection: The law now explicitly includes audiovisual products, audio recordings, satellite, internet, and cable broadcast content under its protections.
• Stricter Penalties: Violations of copyright laws will result in fines ranging from MVR 50,000 to MVR 300,000, with criminal penalties of up to approximately USD 19,500 for intentional infringements.
• Legal Remedies for Creators: Copyright owners now have the right to pursue legal action against infringements or suspected infringements, seek remedies allowed by law, and demand compensation for losses.

The amendment also clarifies that reproducing or distributing copyrighted works without the owner’s permission is prohibited unless for educational purposes, ensuring that educational use remains an exception to the stricter rules.

Safeguarding Creative Rights

The passing of the amendment is seen as a significant step towards strengthening intellectual property rights in the Maldives. By extending protection and introducing robust enforcement mechanisms, the law aims to safeguard the rights of creators and foster a fair environment for the growth of creative industries.

The revised Copyright Act not only aligns the Maldives with international intellectual property standards but also addresses long-standing gaps in copyright enforcement, offering greater security for creators and their works. This development is expected to encourage innovation and artistic expression while deterring unauthorized use of copyrighted material.