How to copyright a literary work in Mauritius?
Can please anyone share what is the procedures to copyright of a literary work Mauritius ? Also what are fees and all?
8 Replies
On 31 July 2014, the Copyright Act 2014 (Copyright Act) came into force in Mauritius to provide better protection to copyright and related rights.
The most important thing about this new act is that it is in compliance with the WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organisation) Copyright Treaty and according to the Berne Convention, copyright protection is obtained automatically without the need for registration or other formalities.
So if you write a book, compose a song, develop software or create artistic works (to name a few), you shouldn't need to worry about copyright as it's granted to the creator for free.
However you may need to register your copyright for two reasons:
- In countries which are not in accordance with the Berne Convention
- To help resolve dispute around your creation
There's the Mauritius Society of Authors (MASA) which was renamed to RMS (Rights Management Society) in 2014 and then back again to MASA in 2017 with which you can register your copyrighted material.
If you give MASA a call on (230) 467 2219 or (230) 454 7931, you can find out about the fees. I live in England and because of the time difference, I would not be able to call them during their working hours, otherwise I would have obtained this information for you.
I'd be grateful if you can contact them and let us know the costs as that would help other people in a similar situation as you in the future.
I'dd add as supplement to Giece's answer since I went there. Go to Masa Rose Hill. Pay registration fees RS 115 for 10 copyrights. RS 155 for each additional one. Give them a manuscript on CD and printed paper. You have a form to fill. They close at 15 15
I was hoping @lovena13 would be first to find this last bit of missing info and update us here but you've amazed me by filling in the blank before her @sarah_7
I set up Clever Dodo to help people and I can't tell you how happy it makes me to see others joining in to help. Thank you for your kindness :)
Hello, sorry for the late comment.. i did call MASA last week, they took forever to take my phone call... but i managed to get on the phone with someone there.. and the lady told me to bring the following documents in order to register for copyright:
- my national ID or passport
- Proof of address
- the copy of the manuscript - if its a long manuscript print the first 5 pages and then the rest of it have it in a Cd
- lastly to pay a fee of 345rs
@lovena13 thank you for updating us here, much appreciated. Hope you found all info you needed now.
Go to Masa Rose Hill Play registration fees RS 115 for 10 copyrights, the RS 155 for each additional one. Give them a manuscript on CD and printed paper they close at 15 15
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