Copyrights Law in North Macedonia
Here’s a clear overview of copyright law in North Macedonia:
📜 Copyright Law in North Macedonia
North Macedonia regulates copyright through the Law on Copyright and Related Rights (most recently amended in 2019). This law complies with the Berne Convention and European Union standards, reflecting North Macedonia’s candidacy and alignment with the EU.
⚖️ Key Features
✅ Works Protected
Literary works (books, articles, poems)
Musical compositions and lyrics
Artistic works (paintings, sculptures, photographs)
Cinematographic and audiovisual works
Computer programs and software
Databases
Performances and sound recordings
🔐 Exclusive Rights
Copyright holders have exclusive rights to:
Reproduce and distribute works
Publicly perform, broadcast, or communicate works
Translate, adapt, or modify works
License or transfer rights to others
📅 Duration of Protection
Author’s life + 70 years after death for most works
For cinematographic works, photographic works, performances, and sound recordings: 70 years from first publication or fixation
Anonymous or pseudonymous works: 70 years from publication
🛡️ Moral Rights
Right to claim authorship
Right to object to distortion or mutilation
Moral rights are inalienable and last indefinitely
🌍 International Treaties
North Macedonia is party to:
Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works
WIPO Copyright Treaty
TRIPS Agreement
Is harmonizing laws with EU copyright directives
📝 Registration
Copyright arises automatically upon creation; no registration is required
Voluntary registration is available for proof in legal disputes
⚖️ Enforcement
Civil remedies: injunctions, damages, destruction of infringing copies
Criminal sanctions: fines and imprisonment for willful infringement
Customs enforcement against pirated goods
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