Copyright and related rights in Macedonia

What is a copyrightable work

A work is an original individual intellectual creation in the field of literature, science, and art (Art. 12(1)). Examples (Art. 12(2)):

• Written work (book, article, manual, brochure).
• Computer program, as a written work.
• Spoken work (lecture, speech).
• Musical work, with or without text.
• Dramatic, dramatic-musical, choreographic, and pantomime work.
• Photographic work and work made in a process similar to photography.
• Audiovisual work (cinematographic and other works expressed in moving images).
• Works of fine art (painting, drawing, graphics, sculpture).
• Works of architecture.
• Works of applied art and design.
• Cartographic works, plans, sketches, technical drawings, projects, tables, plastic works.

Databases and adaptations are also copyrightable if they meet originality conditions (Arts. 14, 15).

What rights the author has

• Moral rights — right of authorship, right to integrity of the work, right to decide on first publication.
• Economic rights — reproduction, distribution, adaptation, public performance, communication to the public. Last for life + 70 years.

How long copyright lasts

• Economic rights: life of the author + 70 years after death (Art. 55).
• Joint authorship: 70 years from the death of the last surviving co-author (Art. 56).
• Anonymous and pseudonymous works: 70 years after lawful publication (Art. 57).
• Audiovisual works: 70 years from the death of the last surviving among — principal director, screenwriter, dialogue author, and composer specifically created for the work (Art. 56(2)).
• Terms run from January 1 of the year following the event (Art. 60).

Related rights

• Performing artists (actors, musicians, conductors).
• Producers of phonograms.
• Producers of videograms (film producers).
• Broadcasting organizations.
• Publishers.
• Database makers.

Protected for shorter terms — typically 50 years — and with different rights.

Computer programs

A computer program is protected as a written work (Art. 12(2)(2)). The author has exclusive rights of reproduction, distribution, adaptation, and sale. Statutory limits exist for backup copies and interoperability.

Detailed page: Software

Licensing and transfer of rights

Economic rights can be transferred by contract. Three contract types: publishing, license (exclusive or non-exclusive), and commissioned-work. The author always retains moral rights. The contract must specify works, rights, territory, term, and compensation.

Detailed page: Ownership & licensing