Protect your creative works by registering them with the copyright office of Panama. Once registered, you can enforce your legal rights over the copyrighted material and prevent others from reproducing, distributing, or using it without permission.
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Copyright in Panama is a legal framework that grants creators exclusive rights to their original works, covering a broad range of intellectual properties such as literary works, music, films, software, databases, video games, visual arts, photography, and architectural designs. The primary legislation governing copyright in Panama is the Law No. 15 of 1994 on Copyright and Related Rights (Ley No. 15 de 1994 sobre el Derecho de Autor y Derechos Conexos), which has been amended over the years to incorporate changes in technology and international agreements. This law ensures that creators maintain control over the use, distribution, and adaptation of their works, providing a robust legal foundation to protect against unauthorized use or exploitation.
In Panama, while copyright protection is extensive, certain types of works are excluded. For instance, copyright does not extend to mere ideas, concepts, methods, systems, or procedures, as the law only protects the specific expression of ideas, not the ideas themselves. Additionally, works that are not fixed in a tangible medium, such as unrecorded performances or oral presentations, do not qualify for copyright protection. Official texts, including legislative, administrative, and judicial documents, and their official translations, are also excluded from copyright protection. Furthermore, simple facts, news reports, and public domain information are not protected under Panamanian copyright law. Understanding these exclusions is essential for creators to ensure their works are adequately protected.
As a signatory to the Berne Convention, Panama provides automatic copyright protection from the moment a work is created and fixed in a tangible medium. This means that copyright registration is not strictly necessary to secure protection in Panama. Your work is protected as soon as it is created, without the need for formal registration.
Even though copyright registration is not mandatory in Panama, it is highly recommended. Registering your copyright provides official proof of ownership, which is crucial in legal disputes involving copyright infringement. It simplifies the process of asserting your rights in court and can make it easier to claim damages or prevent unauthorized use of your work. In Panama, copyright registration is managed by the General Directorate of Copyright (Dirección General del Derecho de Autor, DIGEDA), which operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industries. By registering your work with DIGEDA, you reinforce your legal claim to your creation, making it easier to defend your rights both domestically and internationally.
In Panama the processing time to register a copyright is approximately 3 months from the filing date.
To register a copyright in Panama, you must follow specific procedures through the General Directorate of Copyright (DIGEDA). The process involves submitting a formal application that includes detailed information about the work, such as the title, type of work, and the author’s or authors' names. A physical or digital copy of the work must be provided, along with proof of identity (for individuals) or legal representation (for companies). A registration fee, which varies based on the type of work and the registration service requested, must also be paid. Once the application is submitted, DIGEDA will review it, and upon approval, your copyright will be officially registered, granting you the associated legal benefits.
Software is recognized as a protected work under Panama’s copyright law, treated similarly to literary works. This protection extends to the software’s source code, object code, and related documentation. When registering software in Panama, it is important to provide DIGEDA with a comprehensive description of the software, including its functionalities and, if necessary, the underlying code. Registering your software grants the creator or owner exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, modify, and prevent unauthorized use by third parties. Given the global issue of software piracy, registering your software in Panama provides a solid legal foundation for taking action against unauthorized copying or distribution. Additionally, software developers and companies are encouraged to use licensing agreements and terms of use to safeguard their intellectual property rights when distributing software in the country.
Yes, in Panama, it is possible and advisable to register contracts related to copyright, such as copyright licenses. Registering these contracts with the General Directorate of Copyright (DIGEDA) provides legal certainty and makes the terms of the agreement publicly accessible. This registration is particularly important in cases of disputes over the scope or validity of a license. The registration of copyright licenses or transfer contracts helps ensure that all parties involved have their rights protected and that the contract's terms are enforceable under Panamanian law.
Understanding the duration of copyright protection in Panama is essential for managing and protecting your intellectual property. For literary, artistic, and scientific works owned by an individual, the copyright duration lasts for the lifetime of the author plus 70 years after their death. This extended period provides substantial protection for the author’s heirs. When these works are owned by a company, the copyright protection is valid for 70 years from the date of publication.
For audiovisual works, collective works, and works of applied art, if owned by an individual, the protection also lasts for the lifetime of the author plus 70 years after their death. If these works are owned by a company, the copyright duration in Panama is 70 years from the date of first publication. Photographic works and works of applied art, whether owned by an individual or a company, are protected for 70 years from the date of creation.
Works published anonymously or under a pseudonym are protected for 70 years from the date of first publication. If the author’s identity becomes known, the protection is extended to their lifetime plus 70 years. If the work is owned by a company and the author’s identity is not revealed, the copyright duration remains 70 years from the date of first publication.
One unique aspect of copyright in Panama is the emphasis on protecting traditional knowledge and cultural expressions, particularly those of indigenous communities. Panama has a rich cultural heritage, with many indigenous groups contributing to its cultural diversity. The government has implemented specific legal frameworks to protect these cultural assets, ensuring that traditional music, crafts, and other cultural expressions are preserved and respected.
Another notable feature of Panama’s copyright system is the proactive role of the National Copyright Office in raising public awareness about intellectual property rights. The office regularly conducts educational programs and campaigns to inform creators, businesses, and the public about the importance of copyright protection, how to register copyrights, and the legal implications of copyright infringement. This proactive approach helps foster a culture of respect for intellectual property rights across the country.
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