In a key step toward enhancing intellectual property rights in the Maldives, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the First Amendment to the Copyright and Related Rights Act. The amendment was passed by the Parliament during its 56th sitting of the 20th Majlis on December 2, 2024, and has since been published in the Government Gazette. It is set to take effect three months from the date of publication.
This landmark amendment represents a significant advancement in the protection of creative works in the Maldives, bringing the national copyright framework closer in line with international standards and modern digital realities.
Key Features of the Amendment
1. Extension of Copyright Term
One of the most important changes introduced is the extension of the copyright protection period from 50 years to 70 years. This adjustment offers creators and rights holders longer-term economic benefits and aligns Maldives with international norms, including those followed by countries that are signatories to the Berne Convention and TRIPS Agreement.
2. Broader Scope of Copyright Protection
The amendment expands the definition of eligible copyrighted works to include a wide range of intellectual and creative expressions, such as:
- Literary and artistic works
- Performances by artists
- Sound recordings and musical compositions
- Radio and television broadcasts
- Visual and graphic art, irrespective of presentation or medium
These works will now enjoy protection regardless of their format, purpose, or artistic quality, ensuring broader and more inclusive coverage.
3. Legal Remedies for Infringement
The amendment grants copyright holders the legal right to pursue claims in Maldivian courts in cases of unauthorised use, reproduction, or distribution of their works. This provision strengthens enforcement mechanisms and gives rights holders better access to legal redress.
4. Exceptions for Accessibility and Fair Use
Recognising the need for equitable access, the amendment introduces exemptions for individuals with disabilities. It also allows for non-commercial uses, such as educational or personal use, under specific conditions. These provisions aim to strike a balance between protecting creators’ rights and promoting public access to knowledge and culture.
Background: Copyright Law in the Maldives
The Copyright and Related Rights Act was first enacted to provide legal protection for creators and artists across various fields. It governs the rights associated with the creation, reproduction, distribution, performance, and communication of original works. The law ensures that authors, performers, producers, and broadcasters are entitled to the economic and moral rights of their creations.
Before this amendment, the legislation had been criticised for its limited duration of protection and lack of clarity on certain categories of works. The new amendment is seen as a timely response to those concerns and a much-needed modernisation of the Maldives’ intellectual property framework.
Looking Forward: Supporting Creative Economies
By enhancing copyright protection and clarifying legal procedures, the First Amendment to the Copyright and Related Rights Act is expected to encourage greater creativity, investment in the arts, and innovation across the Maldives. It sends a strong message of support to artists, musicians, writers, and performers, reaffirming their rights to fair compensation and control over their work.
As the amended law comes into effect in early 2025, stakeholders in the creative sector are advised to familiarise themselves with the new provisions and seek registration and legal support where necessary to ensure full protection of their rights.
With this development, the Maldives joins a growing list of nations reinforcing intellectual property rights as a core component of their cultural and economic development strategy.