Understanding Copyright for Audio-Visual Works in Russia
Russian copyright law falls under Part IV of the Civil Code, which has been in effect since January 1, 2008. Articles 1281 and 1284 outline the rules for audio-visual works, ensuring proper protection and authorship recognition.
Key Provisions of Article 1281
An audio-visual work includes any creation that combines sound and visual elements, such as films, TV shows, and video productions. Several individuals contribute to these works, and Russian law classifies the following as co-authors:
- The director
- The screenplay writer
- The dialogue writer
- The composer of original music made for the work
Each of these contributors shares authorship rights over the final production.
Copyright Duration under Article 1284
Copyright lasts throughout an author’s lifetime plus 70 years. For works with multiple authors, the term extends 70 years after the last surviving co-author’s death.
In cases of work-for-hire, the entity or individual commissioning the work holds the copyright, but the protection period remains unchanged.
If an audio-visual work is first published after the author’s death, copyright extends 70 years from the date of first publication, provided the release occurs within 30 years after the author’s passing.
Public Domain and Moral Rights
Once copyright expires, the work enters the public domain, allowing free use without permission or licensing fees. However, moral rights remain protected indefinitely, ensuring that:
- The author always receives credit
- The work’s integrity remains intact
How to Determine Audio-Visual Works Status
Before using an audio-visual work in Russia, check:
✅ The death dates of all co-authors
✅ The first publication date if posthumous
Even when a work enters the public domain, authorship recognition and respect for moral rights remain mandatory.
This guide provides an overview of Russian copyright law for audio-visual works. For legal clarity on specific cases, consult an expert in Russian intellectual property law.
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