Despite the independence of Morocco and the integration of Tangier in the general economy of the Kingdom, the Office Morocain de la Propriete Industrielle at Casablanca and Bureau de la Propriete Industrielle at Tangier are still functioning separately. For protecting intellectual property rights in Morocco, registrations in both Casablanca and Tangier are still necessary.
The Copyright Law No. 1.69.135 of July 29, 1970 governs the protection of copyright in Morocco and Morocco is party to the Berne convention.
Original works of literature, art and science regardless of type, importance or purpose are protected. This includes works of art expressed in writing, sound, drawing, photography and motion pictures, such as books, writings, speeches, oral works, plays, dramatic works, musical compositions, films, phonographic works, applied art, 3-D works and computer programmes are protected for the lifetime of the author plus 50 years following his/ her death.
In order to gain protection these works have to be deposited at the Ministry of Culture; the artistic works such as films, music, plays, paintings at the Bureau Maurcain De Droit D'auteur (Moroccan Bureau of Copyright); while the registration of literary works at La Bibliotheque General (General Library).
The Ministry of Culture reserves the right to allow publication of the work of art in documentary, translation, educational , cultural or scientific use under certain conditions.
Infringements are prosecuted before the Civil and Commercial Courts. The courts can stop the circulation of infringing works, seize and destroy them and the equipment used, that is in addition to an imprisonment period or a fine.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property Bulletins
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