In a significant update to Belarus intellectual property law, amendments to Section V "Intellectual Property" of the Civil Code, effective by the end of 2024, introduce crucial revisions primarily impacting copyright and related rights.

Key Changes:

- Under the new amendments, a presumption of creativity is established, affirming that a work is considered created through creative efforts unless proven otherwise.

- The amendments extend the duration of exclusive rights to copyright works. The exclusive right now persists for the author's lifetime plus 70 years after their death, a significant extension aimed at further safeguarding creators' interests.

It is crucial to note the transitional provisions stipulated by the Law of the Republic of Belarus No. 312-Z of November 13, 2023. These provisions specify that the extended term of exclusive rights applies only to works for which the exclusive right was valid by November 19, 2024. For works already in the public domain by this date, even if fewer than 70 years have elapsed since the author's death, exclusive rights will not be reinstated.

These amendments underscore Belarus's commitment to aligning its intellectual property framework with current standards and enhancing protections for creators. Stakeholders are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these changes to ensure compliance and maximize the benefits of intellectual property protection.

If you have any inquiries regarding intellectual property matters in Belarus, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

Irina ASHKINA

Director

[email protected]

+7 812 334 9268