President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko signed the law “On the limitation of exclusive rights to intellectual property.” It refers to the possibility of using computer software, audiovisual and musical works “from foreign countries committing unfriendly acts» without the consent or permission of the copyright holder.
This is done “in order to ensure the functioning of the information and communication infrastructure, create conditions for digital development and increase the level of information security, develop the intellectual and spiritual and moral potential of society, provide access to the achievements of world culture and events of modern life“. The text of the law is published on the national legal Internet portal of the republic.
The law states that remuneration is paid for the use of computer programs, audiovisual works and musical works. It is credited to the current bank accounts of the patent authority, where it is kept on demand by the right holder for three years. Upon the expiration of this period, funds not claimed by the right holder are transferred by the patent authority to the income of the republican budget.
The same document allowed the import into the country of goods containing objects of intellectual property without the consent of copyright holders from foreign countries. The law is valid until December 31, 2024.
