A recent Egyptian law aims to protect intellectual property rights by prohibiting the publication of works or recordings online without prior permission. The law, which was reported by Sawt Al-Umma on September 28, 2026, outlines severe penalties for those who violate intellectual property rights. According to the law, individuals who publish or sell protected works without permission can face imprisonment and fines.
The law specifies that those who commit crimes such as selling or renting protected works, or reproducing them without permission, will be punished. The penalties include imprisonment for at least a month and a fine of at least 5,000 Egyptian pounds and not exceeding 10,000 Egyptian pounds. The law also states that in cases of repeat offenses, the punishment will be more severe, with imprisonment for at least three months and a fine of at least 10,000 Egyptian pounds and not exceeding 50,000 Egyptian pounds.
The law covers various forms of intellectual property, including literary works, sound recordings, and radio programs. It also prohibits the production, assembly, or importation of devices designed to circumvent protection technologies used by authors or rights holders. Furthermore, the law prohibits the removal, disabling, or sabotage of protection technologies used by authors or rights holders.
In addition to penalties, the law also provides for the confiscation of copies of the work or recording that were produced or sold illegally. The court may also order the closure of the establishment used to commit the crime for a period not exceeding six months. In cases of repeat offenses, the closure of the establishment is mandatory.
The law aims to protect the rights of authors and rights holders by preventing the unauthorized use of their works. It also seeks to promote creativity and innovation by ensuring that creators receive fair compensation for their work. The law is expected to have a significant impact on the protection of intellectual property rights in Egypt.
According to the law, the court may also order the publication of a summary of the judgment in a daily newspaper or more, at the expense of the convicted person. This provision aims to raise awareness about the importance of respecting intellectual property rights and to deter others from committing similar crimes.
The law is a significant step towards protecting intellectual property rights in Egypt. It provides a framework for creators to protect their works and ensures that they receive fair compensation for their efforts. The law is expected to promote creativity, innovation, and economic growth in Egypt.
Key points
- The law prohibits the publication of works or recordings online without prior permission from the author or rights holder.
- The penalties for violating intellectual property rights include imprisonment and fines.
- The law provides for the confiscation of illegally produced copies and the closure of establishments used to commit the crime.
