Copyrights Law in Honduras
Here’s an overview of copyright law in Honduras as of 2025:
Copyright Law in Honduras
1. Legal Framework
Copyright in Honduras is governed by Decree No. 4-99-E, the Copyright and Related Rights Law enacted in 1999.
Administered by the National Copyright Office (Dirección General de Derechos de Autor - DGDA) under the Ministry of Culture.
Honduras is a party to several international agreements:
Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works
WIPO Copyright Treaty
TRIPS Agreement (via WTO membership)
Rome Convention (for related rights)
2. Protected Works
Copyright protects original works including:
Literary works (books, articles, software)
Artistic works (paintings, sculptures, photographs)
Musical works and compositions
Audiovisual works (films, videos)
Sound recordings
Broadcasts and performances
3. Rights Conferred
Economic rights: Include reproduction, distribution, public performance, broadcasting, and adaptation rights.
Moral rights: Right to claim authorship and to object to any distortion or modification of the work.
Rights are automatic upon creation; no formal registration is required but registration is available.
4. Duration of Protection
Copyright lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years after death.
For joint works: 70 years after the last surviving author’s death.
For anonymous or pseudonymous works: 70 years from the date of publication.
For related rights, protection generally lasts 50 years from the date of the performance, fixation, or broadcast.
5. Limitations and Exceptions
Exceptions include:
Private use for personal purposes
Quotation for criticism or review
Use for teaching and scientific research
Use by libraries and archives under certain conditions
6. Enforcement
Enforcement is through civil and criminal courts.
Remedies include injunctions, damages, fines, and criminal sanctions.
Customs authorities may assist in preventing the importation of infringing goods.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Law | Decree No. 4-99-E (Copyright Law) |
| Protection | Automatic; registration available |
| Protected Works | Literary, artistic, musical, audiovisual, software, broadcasts |
| Duration | Life + 70 years |
| Rights | Economic and moral rights |
| Exceptions | Private use, quotation, education, libraries |
| Enforcement | Civil and criminal remedies |
RELATED Blog
0 comments