Serbian Government Adopts the Draft Law on Copyright and Neighboring Rights

On September 3, 2009 the Serbian government adopted the Draft Law on Copyright and Neighboring Rights during its general assembly.

At a press conference after the assembly, Deputy Prime Minister Bozidar Djelic said that it is prime time for Serbia to adopt a law that clearly defines what constitutes copyright infringement, simultaneously imposing higher nominal fines ranging from 500 to 10,000 EUR (from USD 734 to USD 14,700).

Additionally, the Draft Law proposes a balanced share of profits between the creator and the manufacturer, (for instance between a writer and publisher), securing a 50% royalty for authors, inventors, composers, etc.

“Creative people will finally be able to get a fair remuneration for their work, and no lobby, no matter how strong, will be able to stop them,” said Djelic for the daily newspaper Blic.

According to Blic, the Draft Law also proposes that Serbia implements a widely accepted practice throughout Europe of exempting citizens with special needs from having to pay for or require authorization when copying or publishing learning aids necessary for their special needs.

The Draft Law on Copyright and Neighboring Rights was created in consultation with the legal experts and according to European standards. Djelic said there should be no obstacles in passing the Draft Law. We were unable to obtain information about when the Draft Law will be up for discussion.

For more information, please contact Masa Lopicic in our Balkan Regional Office.