President Dr Mohamed Muizzu ratified a landmark amendment to the Copyright and Related Rights Act on Tuesday, enhancing protections and clarifying the use of copyrighted works in the Maldives.

Passed by Parliament with 57 votes in favour on Monday, this amendment represents a significant step in safeguarding intellectual property in the country.

Introduced by Nilandhoo MP Fatimath Saudha on July 1, the amendment modernises copyright laws, aligning them with international standards. It expands the scope of protections, simplifies legal recourse for violations, and extends the copyright protection term from 50 years to 70 years.

Among the most significant changes, the amended Act includes expanded protection for a broader range of works. The law now explicitly covers literary and artistic works, performances, sound recordings, and broadcasts produced within the Maldives, ensuring comprehensive safeguarding of intellectual property.

The Amendment now streamlines ownership by automatically granting copyright to creators without the need for formal registration; however, creators can choose to register their works with the Ministry for added security and documentation.

Moreover, the Amendment empowers rights holders by allowing them to take legal action against copyright violations. This includes seeking injunctions and claiming compensation for damages caused by infringement.

The extension of copyright protection to 70 years provides longer-term benefits for creators and their heirs, aligning the Maldives with international copyright standards.

In recognition of academic needs, the Amendment introduces fair use exceptions, permitting the copying or use of copyrighted works for educational, research, or other lawful purposes, ensuring a balance between protecting creators' rights and fostering accessibility.

Under the new penalty framework, the Amendment revises fines for copyright infringement, ranging from MVR 10,000 to MVR 100,000 for minor offences and up to MVR 300,000 for more serious breaches.

As part of its commitment to innovation, the current Administration has prioritised supporting creators and innovators. This amendment marks a crucial step toward building a robust intellectual property landscape in the Maldives.

The Act will come into effect three months after its publication in the Government Gazette, providing a strengthened framework to protect and promote creativity in the country.