The Constitution of the Republic of Latvia states that “The State shall recognise the freedom of scientific research, artistic and other creative activity, and shall protect copyright and patent rights”.
The Copyright Law was adopted in 2000 and replaces the law that was adopted in 1993 On Copyright and Neighbouring Rights and it is fully harmonised with the EU acquis communataire.
Law on Collective Management of Copyright was adopted in 2017. The purpose of the Law is to create legal preconditions for efficient performance of collective management of copyright and related rights.
The Criminal Law (adopted in 1998, came into force in 1999) in section 148 defines the applicable sentence for the infringement of Copyright and Neighbouring Rights. Also, the Latvian Administrative Violations Code section 155.8, sets the fines for unlawful acts in copyright and neighbouring rights.
The Law on Film (2010) defines the distribution and protection of audiovisual heritage.
Latvia is a member of several international treaties and the regulatory enactments of Latvia encompass legal provisions arising from the EU directives. (For a complete list, see the Ministry of Culture website.)
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