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Copyright: Copyright

This page introduces you to the information on copyright.

What is copyright?

Owners of creative works have the exclusive right to copy, print, sell, or distribute their creative works. In other words, the owners have the right to control how their works will be used. It is called copyright. This guide provides an overview of copyright in Qatar, and useful information to help you when you create your own work and control your copyright. 

Copyright in Qatar

                                                

Qatar is a member of The Berne Convention for Copyright, an international copyright agreement, which was first accepted in Berne, Switzerland, in 1886. Qatar's copyright law is governed under Law No.7 of 2002 on the Protection of Copyright and Neighbouring Rights. The law covers ten areas as shown below.  

  1. Scope and Provisions of Protection (Chapter II)
  2. Author’s Economic and Moral Rights (Chapter III)
  3. Duration of Protection (Chapter IV)
  4. Restrictions on Copyright and Neighboring Rights (Chapter V)
  5. Provisions Relating to the Work after the Death of the Author (Chapter VI)
  6. Provisions Related to Some Works (Chapter VII)
  7. Neighboring Rights (Chapter VIII)
  8. Office of the Protection of the Copyright and Neighboring Rights (IX)
  9. Preventive Measures and Sanctions (Chapter X)
  10. General Provisions (Chapter XI)

Extracted below some of the key points of Qatar's copyright law:

  • The law applies to works of Qatari Authors published within or outside the State (Chapter II, 5, (1)).
  • National folklore shall be the public property of the State (Chapter II, 32)
  • The economic rights shall be protected during the life of the Author and for fifty calendar years after his death (Chapter IV, 15).
  • The copyright provided for in this Law is wholly or partly transferable by inheritance or legal assignment (Chapter VI, 28).

However, there are some exceptions to the copyright law. 

  • The reproduction is allowed for teaching purposes in educational institutions the activities of which do not serve direct or indirect commercial gain (Chapter V, 21 (1)). 
  • The copyright provided for in this Law is wholly or partly transferable by inheritance or legal assignment (Chapter VI, 28).
  • Using the work exclusively for personal use (Chapter V, 18, (1)). 
  • Using the work by way of illustration for teaching (Chapter V, 18, (2)).

 

* Please note this guides is not intended to provide legal advice. 

Creative Commons

Creative Commons is a non-profit organization based in the United States committed to growing educational access and expanding the spectrum of creative works that others can legally build upon and share. Creators may use Creative Commons licenses to make their art accessible to the public for free. These licenses allow the creators to grant permission in advance for others to use the work under certain conditions.

While Creative Commons licenses are not legally enforceable, it is a new copyright rule for the internet age. Creative Commons licenses allow creators to express their intention of how their works can be used. Creative Commons proposes a license that claims limited rights. Different combinations of icons represent conditions of use and define six licenses. 

 

                                         

                                         Image: "Creative Commons Licenses" by 
                               isabella.ell is licensed under CC BY 2.0

 

To learn more about the Creative Commons licenses, please visit the web site, Creative Commons.