The Parliament has passed proposed amendments to the Copyright Act aimed at enhancing copyright protection. The bill was approved with the votes of 57 members.
The amendment provides greater clarity on the types of works protected by copyright and outlines additional circumstances under which copyrighted materials may be used. Specifically, the revised Act ensures the protection of literary and artistic works, performances, sound recordings, and broadcasts produced in the Maldives. It also establishes that reproducing or distributing original copies of a copyrighted work without the permission of the copyright holder is prohibited, except when the work is used for educational purposes.
The amendment further empowers copyright owners by granting them the right to take legal action if their rights are infringed or if there is reasonable suspicion that infringement is imminent. Copyright holders can now seek protection in a competent court, demand remedies allowed by law, and pursue compensation for any loss they have sustained due to the infringement of their rights.
Additionally, the amendment extends the duration of protection for copyrighted works from 50 to 70 years, ensuring longer security for creators and their intellectual property. 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, depending on the gravity of the violation.
This amendment marks a significant step in strengthening the protection of intellectual property in the country, safeguarding the rights of creators, and ensuring that the enforcement of these rights is more robust and comprehensive.