President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified amendments to the Copyrights and Related Rights Act, enhancing protection for intellectual property. Passed by Parliament on 2 December, the revisions clarify the types of works eligible for protection and define acceptable uses of copyrighted material, including exemptions for educational purposes.

Key updates include:

• Prohibited Reproduction and Distribution: Unauthorized use of copyrighted works is banned, with penalties ranging from USD 648 to USD 6,485.
• Criminal Penalties: Intentional infringement could result in fines between USD 3,242 and USD 19,455.
• Extended Protection: Copyright duration has been extended from 50 years to 70 years.

The amended law will take effect in three months.