Pres. Muizzu ratifies amendment to Copyright Act, paving way for MVR 300K fines

President Muizzu, on Tuesday, has ratified the first amendment to the Copyright Act – paving the way to impose fines up to MVR 300,000 for violations of the law.

The government-backed bill to amend the Copyright Act was submitted to Parliament with the sponsorship of ruling PNC’s Nilandhoo MP Fathimath Saudha.

Parliament passed the bill with the unanimous votes of 57 MPs in attendance during the 56^th sitting of the 20^th session held on December 2^nd.

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

It 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.

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 content.

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

The amendment has been published on the government gazette following ratification. It is due to come into form three months from the the date of publication on the gazette.