The National Library Department (NLD) in Jordan announced on March 21, 2005 that it has completed a list of new amendments to the Jordanian copyright law, and is currently awaiting the issuance of the Royal Decree approving the final draft, ag-IP-news reported.
According to Petra News Agency, the new law includes several articles from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Agreement and the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that are related to artists’ rights, and neighboring rights, as well as copy and distribution rights.
Mr. Ma’moun Talhouni, director general of the NLD, pointed out that Jordan was one of the leading countries in protecting copyrights, as it was listed in the 28th position in Davos annual report.
The new law protects computer programs and classifies them as literary works. It also protects performers as it gives them the right to protect their live performances.
The law further gives the Minister of Culture the right to protect the Jordanian culture and heritage from degradation and defilement, and entitles him to take legal action against whoever intends to do so.
Around 2500 to 3000 works are annually deposited at the NLD. The Library’s annual report of 2004 shows that it has deposited 1213 books, 88 songs, 34 visual works, and 42 software applications.
Mr. Talhouni encouraged all Jordanian authors to register their works, noting that even though depositing works is not compulsory, it represents recognition from an official body that guarantees the rights of the author or the creator.