Copyright Protection in Bhutan: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

This study explored public awareness on copyright and evaluated the means for copyright protection in Bhutan. The data was collected using a survey questionnaire and interviews. Copyright is important for the authors, creative artists and business enterprises to control illegal copying and distribution of their works. The purpose of copyright protection in Bhutan is to 'enhance culture and enrich the national cultural heritage' through the expressions of creativity in the domain of literature and arts. The survey covered different target audiences such as right holders, the sellers and users of copyright products, members of the MPAB and the enforcement agencies. The survey was conducted from October 2008 to March 2009. The general observation of copyright problem was inefficient enforcement encourages illegal copying of music, films, mobile ring tones, computer games and software, without compensation to the right holders. Such illicit activities have restrained the growth and expansion of music and film industry in Bhutan. Respondents believed a weak copyright protection and enforcement limits the growth of some of the most important sectors in the country such as printing firms, recording music studios, film industry and software firms. Various factors have resulted weak copyright protection in Bhutan. The study reported poor copyright awareness as a major issue in Bhutan. It also reports that copyright enforcement as a main challenge for the government. Participants expressed the need that the government should give priority to creating public awareness and initiate stronger copyright enforcement mechanisms.