President Dr Mohamed Muizzu ratified an amendment to the Copyright and Other Related Rights Act on Tuesday, introducing enhanced protections and clarifications for the use of copyrighted works. The amendment, passed by Parliament on Monday with 57 votes in favour, aims to safeguard intellectual property and promote creativity within the Maldives.
The amendment, introduced by Nilandhoo MP Fatimath Saudha on 1 July as part of President Muizzu’s initial legislative agenda, makes several significant updates to the existing law.
Key changes include:
- Broader Protection Scope: Literary and artistic works, performances, sound recordings, and broadcasts produced in the Maldives are now explicitly protected under the law.
- Simplified Copyright Ownership: Formal registration is not required for copyright ownership, though creators can voluntarily register their works with the Ministry for additional security.
- Legal Recourse and Compensation: Rights holders can take legal action against copyright violations and seek compensation for damages caused by infringements.
- Extended Copyright Term: Copyright protection has been extended from 50 years to 70 years, aligning with international standards and ensuring long-term benefits for creators and their heirs.
- Defined Permissible Uses: The law clarifies additional circumstances where copyrighted works may be used without infringement, including fair use for educational and research purposes.
This legislative update is a milestone in protecting the intellectual property rights of local creators and manufacturers, providing them with greater confidence and legal support in their endeavours.
The newly amended Act is expected to encourage innovation and creativity in the Maldives while maintaining a fair balance between protecting rights holders and enabling limited lawful use of copyrighted works.
