Copyright in Bangladesh is governed by the Copyright Act, 2000, which provides legal protection to authors, artists, and other creators of original works. The law defines copyright as a bundle of exclusive rights granted to the creators of original works, which include literary, artistic, musical, and dramatic works.
Here are some key features of copyright in Bangladesh:
Copyright Protection: The Copyright Act provides protection to both published and unpublished works for a period of the lifetime of the creator plus 50 years after their death. In the case of anonymous works, the protection lasts for 50 years from the date of publication.
Copyright Infringement: Copyright infringement occurs when someone uses or reproduces the original work without permission from the creator or their legal representative. The Copyright Act provides various remedies for copyright infringement, including injunctions, damages, and criminal penalties.
Copyright Registration: Copyright registration is not mandatory in Bangladesh, as copyright protection is automatic upon the creation of the original work. However, registration may be helpful in proving ownership in case of disputes.
Fair Use: The Copyright Act allows for certain limited uses of copyrighted works without permission, such as for educational or research purposes, criticism or review, and news reporting.
Collective Management Organizations: Collective management organizations (CMOs) are authorized to collect and distribute royalties on behalf of copyright owners for the use of their works. The Copyright Act recognizes several CMOs in Bangladesh, including the Copyright Society of Bangladesh and the Bangladesh Performers’ Rights Society.
Overall, the Copyright Act in Bangladesh provides a robust protection to creators of original works and promotes the growth of creative industries in the country. However, there are still challenges in enforcing copyright laws and protecting intellectual property rights in Bangladesh.