Govt proposes 44 Copyright Act amendments

The government on Monday has submitted a bill proposing 44 amendments to the Copyright Act, including a preposition to extend copyright protection period from 50 to 70 years.

Nilandhoo MP from ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) Fathimath Saudha presented the bill on behalf of the state.

At Monday’s parliamentary sitting, the bill was put on agenda for debate as well.

The amendment seeks to protect the copyright of a product regardless of the quality or content of the product or how it is presented.

The bill seeks to protect the original proprietor of a product from unauthorized use of their contents or products by third-parties, by way of sale or rent.

Saudha argued the bill aims to expand areas of copyright protection and other rights related to it, and provide definitions for copyrighted products and the rights of the proprietors of such products.

She argued their amendments, once ratified into law, will enhance local artists to produce and sell their products globally.

Majority of the members who debated for the bill had welcomed the amendments, and called it a needed move.

Besides extending the copyright protection period, the amendments also include adding a clause under the article that lists copyrighted content, to include audio visual products, audio recordings, satellite, internet, and cable broadcast contents.

The proposed amendments also seek to fine offenders, depending on the degree of the offense, between MVR 50,000 and MVR 300,000.

The act will be put into effect in three months from the date of its publishing on the national gazette after ratification.

The current Copyright Act of the Maldives was ratified by former President Mohamed Nasheed in 2010.