ORGANISATION MONDIALE 
DU COMMERCE 
Conseil des aspects des droits de propriété 
intellectuelle qui touchent au commerce IP/N/l/DNK/C/1 
10 mai 1996 
(96-1830) 
Original: anglais 
PRINCIPALES LOIS ET REGLEMENTATIONS CONSACREES 
A LA PROPRIETE INTELLECTUELLE NOTIFIEES 
AU TITRE DE L'ARTICLE 63:2 DE L'ACCORD 
Danemark 
Le présent document contient le texte des lois et réglementations ci-après1, notifiées par 
le Danemark au titre de l'article 63:2 del' Accord: 
Loi n • 395 concernant le droit d'auteur sur les oeuvres littéraires 
et artistiques et les droits voisins (Loi de 1995 sur le droit d'auteur) 
Ordonnance n • 964 concernant l'application de la Loi de 1995 sur 
le droit d'auteur à l'égard des autres pays 
1 Anglais seulement. 2 
44 IP/N/lIDNK/C/l 
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Ministry of Culture Trans lati on 
Denmark 
Act on Copyright 1995 
Chapter 1 
Subject matter and Scope of Copyright 
Protected works April 1996 
Section 1. (1) The person creating a literary or artistic work shall have copyright therein, be 
it expressed in writing or in speech as a fictional or a descriptive representation, or whether 
it be a musical or dramatic work, cinematographic or photographic work, or a work of fine 
art, architecture, applied art, or expressed in some other manner. 
(2) Maps and drawings and other works of a descriptive nature executed in gra­
phic or plastic form shall be considered as literary works. 
(3) Works in the form of computer programs shall be considered as literary 
works. 
Scope of Protection 
Section 2. (1) Within the limitations specified in this Act copyright implies the exclusive 
right to control the work by making copies thereof and by making it available to the public, 
whether in the original or in an amended form, in translation, adaptation into another lit­
erary or artistic form or into another technique. Ministry o/Culture Translation IP/N/1/DNK/C/l 
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April 1996 
(2) The recording of the work on devices which can reproduce it, shall be con-
sidered as a production of copies. 
(3) The work is made available to the public when 
(i)copies of the work are offered for sale, rental or 
lending or distribution to the public in some other manner; 
(ii)copies are exhibited in public, including broadcast by television; 
(iii)the work is performed in public, including broadcast by radio or television. 
( 4) Public performance within the meaning of subsection (3) (iii)shall include the 
performance at a place of business before a large group, which would otherwise have been 
considered not public. 
Section 3. (1) When a work is reproduced, or when it is made available to the public, the 
name of the author shall be stated to the extent and in the manner required by proper usage. 
(2) The work must not be altered nor made available to the public in a manner 
or in a context which is prejudicial to the author's literary or artistic reputation, or to his 
individuality . 
(3) The right of the author under this Section cannot be waived except in re­
spect of a use of the work which is limited in nature and extent. 
Adaptations 
Section 4. (1) The person translating, revising or otherwise adapting a work, including con­
verting it into some other literary or artistic form, shall have copyright in the work in the 
new form, but his right to control it shall be subject to the copyright in the original work. 
(2) Copyright in a new and independent work created through the free use of 
another work, shall not be subject to the copyright in the original work. IP IN I liD NK/CI 1 
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Ministry of Culture Translation April 1996 
Composite Works 
Section 5. A person who, by combining works or parts of works, creates a composite lit­
erary or artistic work, shall have copyright therein, but the right shall be without prejudice 
to the rights in the individual works. 
Joint Authorship 
Section 6. When a work has two or more authors, without the individual contributions be­
ing separable as independent works, the copyright in the work shall be held jointly. Each of 
the authors, however, may bring an action for infringement. 
Copyright Holder Presumption, etc. 
Section 7. (1) When not otherwise stated the person whose name or generally known pseu­
donym or signature is indicated in the usual manner on copies of the work, or when the 
work is made available to the public shall be deemed to be the author. 
(2) If a work is published without the author being indicated in accordance with 
the foregoing subsection, the editor, if named, and otherwise the publisher, shall act on be­
half of the author until the latter is named in a new edition of the work. 
Publication and Publishing 
Section 8. (1) A work shall be considered to have been made public when it has lawfully 
been made available to the public. 
(2) A work shall be considered published when, with the consent of the author, 
copies of the work have been placed on sale or otherwise distributed to the public. Ministry o/Culture Translation 
Public Documents IP IN /l ID NK/C/l 
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April 1996 
Section 9. (1) Acts, administrative orders, legal decisions and similar .official documents are 
not subject to copyright. 
(2) The provision in the foregoing subsection shall not apply to works appearing 
as independent contributions in the documents mentioned in the foregoing subsection. Such 
works may, however, be reproduced in connection with the document. The right to further 
use shall be subject to the provisions otherwise in force. 
Relation to Protection under other Legislation 
Section 10. (1) Protection under the Act on Designs does not preclude copyright. 
(2) Layout designs (topography) of semiconductor products are not protected 
under this Act, but are protected under the provisions in the Act on Protection of the De­
sign (Topography) of Semiconductor Products. 
Chapter 2 
Limitations on Copyright 
General Provisions 
Section 11. (1) The provisions of this chapter do not limit the author's rights under Section 
3, except as provided in Section 29. 
(2) When a work is used in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, the 
work may not be altered more extensively than is required for the permitted use. If the work 
is used publicly, the source shall be indicated in accordance with the requirements of proper 
usage. JP IN 11 ID NK/CI 1 
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Ministry of Culture Translation April 1996 
Reproduction for Private Use 
Section 12.-(1) Anyone is entitled to make or have made, for private purposes, single copies 
of works which have been made public. Such copies must not be used for any other 
purposes. 
(2) The provision of subsection (1) does not provide the right to 
(i) construct a work of architecture; 
(ii) produce a copy of a work of art by casting, by printing from an original negative 
or base, or any other manner implying that the copy can be considered as an original; 
(iii) produce copies of computer programs in digitized form; or 
(iv) produce copies in digitized form of other works if the reproduction is made on 
the basis of a production of the work in digitized form. 
(3) The provision of subsection (1) does not confer a right to engage another 
person to make copies of 
(i) musical works 
(ii) cinematographic works 
(iii) works of applied art, or 
(iv) works of art if the copying is in the form of an artistic reproduction. 
(4) The provision of subsection (1) does not entitle the user to reproduce copies 
of musical works and cinematographic works by using technical equipment made available 
to the public in libraries, in business premises, or in other places open to the public. 
Reproduction within 
Educational Activities 
Section 13.-(1) Photocopying, etc., for educational use may be made of published works 
and copies may be made by recording of works broadcast in radio and television provided Ministry of Culture Translation IP/NIlIDNK/CI 1 
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April 1996 
the requirements regarding the extended collective agreement license contained in Section 
50 of this Act have been met. The copies thus made may be used only in such educational 
activities which are covered by the agreement presumed in Section 50. 
(2) The provision 01 subsection (1) concerning recording shall not apply to 
cinematographic works which are part of the general cinema repertoire of feature films 
except where only brief excerpts of the work are shown in the telecast. 
(3) Teachers and pupils may for educational purposes make recordings of their 
own performances of works. Such recordings may not be used for any other purposes. 
Reproduction by Business 
Enterprises, etc. 
Section 14. Public or private institutions, organisations and business enterprises may for 
internal use for the purpose of their activities by photocopying, etc., make or have copies 
made of descriptive articles in newspapers, magazines and collections, of brief excerpts of 
other published works of descriptive nature, and of illustrations reproduced in association 
with the text, provided the requirements of Section 50 of this Act regarding the extended 
collective license agreement have been met. Such copies may be used only for activities 
which are covered by the agreement presumed in Section 50. 
Reproduction by Hospitals, etc. 
Section 15. Hospitals, nursing homes, prisons and other 24-hour institutions within the 
social and welfare sector, the prison service, and similar institutions may for the brief use of 
the inmates and others of the institution make recordings of works broadcast on radio and 
television. Such recordings may be used only within the institution in question. IP/NI 1 IDNK/CI 1 
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Ministry of Culture Translation 
Reproduction within Archives, 
Libraries and Museums April 1996 
Section 16. The Minister for Culture may lay down rules according to which archives, 
libraries and museums may, on specified conditions, make single copies of works to be used 
for the purpose of their activities. If the copying is made by way of sound and visual 
recording or in digital form, the copies may not without the consent of the author be lent or 
in any other way be made available to the public outside the archives, libraries or museums. 
Reproduction for 
visually handicapped and 
hearing-impaired persons 
Section 17.-(1) A person is entitled to make copies in braille of published literary or musical 
works. Copies of such works may furthermore be photographed for educational use in 
schools for the deaf and sufferers from speech impediments. The Minister for Culture may 
lay down rules determining that the provision of the first paragraph of this subsection may 
be extended also to comprise other forms of reproduction. 
(2) For the purpose of lending to the blind, sufferers from defective vision, 
dyslexia, backward readers and others unable to read ordinary books, it is permitted to 
make sound recordings of published literary works when this is not done for commercial 
purposes. The author shall be entitled to remuneration for such recordings. 
(3) Governmental or municipal institutions and other social or non-profit 
institutions may for the use of visually handicapped and hearing-impaired persons by sound 
or visual recording make copies of works broadcast on radio and television provided the 
requirements of the extended collective agreement license according to Section 50 have 
been met. Such copies may be used only for the purpose of activities covered by the 
agreement presumed in Section 50. Ministry of Culture Translation 
Production of Anthologies 
for Educational Use, etc. IP/N/I/DNK/C/l 
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April 1996 
Section 18.-(1) Minor portions from literary and musical works or short works of those 
categories may be reproduced in composite works consisting of works of a large number of 
authors compiled for use in educational activities, provided that five years have elapsed 
from the publication of those works. Works of art and works of a descriptive nature, ef 
Section 1 (2), may be used in connection with the text, provided five years have elapsed 
from their being made available to the public. The author is entitled to remuneration. 
(2) The provision of subsection 1 does not apply to works prepared for use in 
educational activities. 
(3) A few published songs may be freely reproduced in small song sheets 
produced solely for the use of participants in a particular meeting. However, no more than 
300 copies of each song sheet may be produced. 
Distribution of Copies 
Section 19. -( 1) When a copy of a work has been sold or otherwise transferred to others 
with the consent of the author the copy may be further distributed. 
(2) Notwithstanding the provision of subsection (1), copIes may not be 
distributed to the general public through rental without the consent of the author. However, 
this does not apply to works of architecture and applied art. 
(3) Notwithstanding the provision of subsection (1), copies of cinematographic 
works and computer programs in digitized form may not be distributed to the public 
through lending without the consent of the author. However, this does not apply if a copy 
of a computer program in digitized form constitutes a part of a literary work or is lent 
together with it. IP IN /l ID NK/CI 1 
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Ministry of Culture Translation April 1996 
(4) The provision of subsection (1) shall not carry any limitation in the right to 
receive remuneration etc., in accordance with the Act on Library Fees. 
Exhibition of Copies 
Section 20.-(1) When a work has been published or if a copy of a work of art has been 
transferred to other parties by the author, the published or transferred copies may be 
publicly exhibited. 
(2) The provision of subsection (1) does not apply to exhibition of copies of 
works of art on television or in films. This shall apply also to exhibition of copies of literary 
or musical works if the content of the work is thereby made available to the public. 
Public Performances 
Section 21.-(1) A published work other than dramatic or cinematographic works may be 
publicly performed 
(i) on occasions when the performance of such works is not the main feature of the 
event, provided that no admission fee is charged and the event is not for profit; and 
(ii) where the performance is made in the case of divine services or educational activities. 
(2) The provision of subsection (l)(ii) does not apply to performances on radio 
or television. 
(3) In public libraries published copIes of cinematographic works, musical 
works and works in digital form can be made available to individuals for personal viewing 
or study on the spot by means of technical equipment. Reproduction is not allowed. Ministry of Culture Translation 
Quotations IP/N/1/DNK/C/1 
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Section 22. A person may quote from a work which has been made public in accordance 
with proper usage and to the extent required for the purpose. 
Use of Works of Fine Art, etc. 
Section 23.-(1) Works of art and works of a descriptive nature which have been made 
public, cf Section 1 (2), may be used in critical or scientific presentations in connection with 
the text if fair practice is observed and to the extent justified for the purpose. 
(2) Works of art made available to the public may be used in newspapers and 
periodicals in connection with the reporting of current events if fair practice is observed and 
to the extent justified for the purpose. The provision of the first paragraph does not apply to 
works produced with a view to usage in newspapers or periodicals. 
(3) Published works of art or copies of works of art that have been transferred 
to others by the author may be used in newspapers, periodicals, films and television if the 
usage is of subordinate importance in the context in question. 
Section 24.-(1) Works of art included in a collection, or exhibited, or offered for sale may 
be reproduced in pictorial form and then made available to the public in catalogues of the 
collection and in notices of exhibitions or sale. 
(2) Works of art may be reproduced in pictorial form and then made available to 
the public if they are permanently situated in a public place or road. The provision of the 
first paragraph shall not apply if the work of art is the chief motif and its reproduction is 
used for commercial purposes. 
(3) Buildings may be freely reproduced in pictorial form and then made available 
to the public. IP/N/lIDNK/CI 1 
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Ministry of Culture Translation April 1996 
Reporting of Current Events 
Section 25. If performance or exhibition of a work is part of a current event and it is used in 
film, radio or television, the work may be included to the extent the work forms a natural 
part of the reporting of the current event. 
Public Proceedings, Public Access, etc. 
Section 26. Proceedings in Parliament, municipal councils and other elected public 
authorities, in judicial proceedings and in public meetings held to discuss general matters 
may be used without the author's consent. However, the author shall have the exclusive 
right to publish compilations of his own statements. 
Section 27.-(1) Where copies of works protected under this Act have been lodged in 
custody of an administrative authority in connection with its activity, the copyright shall not 
prevent other parties from demanding access to copies of works nor from demanding a 
transcript or a copy in compliance with the existing statutory provisions thereon. The same 
shall apply to works produced within the administrative authority. 
(2) The copyright does not prevent that records and files delivered to a 
statutory register are made available to the general public in accordance with the existing 
rules of the archives law. However, it shall be prohibited to issue transcripts or to make 
copies of private records. 
(3) The right to further exploitation of works open to public access in pursuance 
of subsection (1) or (2) or of which transcripts or copies have been issued shall be subject to 
the provisions otherwise in force. Ministry a/Culture Translation IP/N/1/DNK/C/1 
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April 1996 
Section 28. Works may be reproduced in connection with judicial proceedings and 
proceedings before administrative tribunals, etc., to the extent justified by the purpose. The 
right to further exploitation depends on the rules otherwise in force. 
Alteration of Buildings and 
Articles for Everyday Use 
Section 29.-(1) Buildings may be altered by the owner without the consent of the author if 
this is done for technical reasons or for the purpose of their practical use. 
(2) Articles for everyday use may be altered by the owner without the consent 
of the author. 
Special Provisions on Radio and Television 
Section 30.-(1) Danmarks Radio, TV 2 and Frereernes Radio (Utvarp Feroya), Frereernes 
Fjernsyn (Sjonvarp Feroya) and Gren1ands Radio (Kalaallit Nunaata Radioa) may on radio 
or television broadcast published works if the conditions concerning the extended collective 
agreement license under Section 50 of this Act have been met. The provision of the first 
paragraph does not apply to dramatic or cinematographic works. 
(2) The author may issue a prohibition to the radio or television organisation 
against the broadcast of the work pursuant to subsection (1). 
(3) The Minister for Culture may stipulate that the provisions of subsections (1) 
and (2) shall apply correspondingly to agreements made by other radio and television 
organisations. 
(4) The provision of subsection (1) shall apply correspondingly if the author of a 
work of art has transferred one or more copies to others. IP IN 11 ID NK/CI 1 
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Ministry of Culture Translation April 1996 
(5) The provision of the first paragraph of subsection (1) shall not apply to 
broadcasts on radio and television via satellite unless the broadcaster makes a simultaneous 
broadcast via a terrestrial network. 
Section 31.-(1) Broadcasters may for the purpose of their broadcasts record works on tape, 
film, or any other device that can reproduce them provided they have the right to broadcast 
the works in question. The right to make such works available to the public is subject to 
rules otherwise in force. 
(2) The Minister for Culture may lay down rules on the conditions to make such 
recordings and on their use and storage . 
. Section 32. Broadcasts of debate programs in which general questions are discussed may be 
reproduced without the consent of the author. However, the author shall have the exclusive 
right to publish compilations of his own statements. 
Section 33.-(1) Broadcasts of works may be recorded on tape, film or any other device by 
means of which they can be reproduced and may be stored with the National Media 
Collection if the broadcast is of documentary value. The Media Coliection may produce 
single copies of the broadcasts for security and protection purposes and for research 
purposes. The right to further exploitation shall be subject to any other rules in force. 
(2) The Minister for Culture may provide that the provision in subsection (1) 
shall apply correspondingly to other public archives. 
Section 34. Broadcasters may on request deliver recordings of broadcasts to persons and 
institutions who have taken part in the broadcasts in question or who feel offended by 
comment in a specific broadcast or through public mention of the broadcast in question. 
Recordings delivered according to the first paragraph may be used for internal use only. Ministry of Culture Translation IP/N/I/DNK/C/I 
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April 1996 
Section 35. -( 1) Works which are broadcast on radio or television may be distributed by 
cable systems and retransmitted to the general public by means of radio systems provided 
the redistribution and retransmission take place simultaneously with the original broadcast 
and without any alterations. 
(2) The author shall be entitled to remuneration. However, this does not apply 
where broadcasts are received by way of the receivers' own community antennae and 
redistributed via cable systems consisting of 25 connections or less in one and the same 
building or in a group of adjacent buildings. 
(3) The claim for remuneration can only be advanced by a joint organisation 
approved by the Minister for Culture consisting of authors, performers and other 
rightholders, including broadcasters and photographers whose works, performances, 
productions and pictures are used in radio and television broadcasts in Denmark. 
(4) The owner of the system is liable to pay the remuneration. If the 
remuneration payable by the owner has been fixed as an amount per connection, the user of 
the individual connection is under an obligation to pay the owner a corresponding amount. 
(5) The provision of subsection (1) shall not apply to transmissions made via 
communication satellites unless a simultaneous direct broadcast is made to the general 
public, and encrypted transmissions. 
Special Provisions on Computer 
Programs, Etc. 
Section 36.-(1) The person who has the right to use a computer program shall be entitled to 
(i) produce such copies of the program and to make such alterations of the program 
which are necessary for the use of the computer program by the lawful acquirer in 
accordance with its intended purpose, including for error correction; 
(ii) make a back-up copy insofar as it is necessary for the use of the program; and 
(iii) observe, study or test the functioning of the program in order to determine the ideas 
and principles which underlie any element of the program if he does so while performing IP/N/1/DNK/C/1 
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Ministry of Culture Translation April 1996 
any of the acts of loading, displaying, running, transmitting or storing, etc. 
the program which he is entitled to. 
(2) The provisions of (i) and (ii) of subsection (1) shall apply correspondingly to 
other works in digitized form the application of which is controlled by a computer program. 
However, it shall be prohibited to make any alterations of the works. 
(3) The provisions of (ii) and (Hi) of subsection (1) may not be deviated from by 
agreement. 
Section 37. -( 1) Reproduction of the code of a computer program and translation of its form 
shall be permitted where this is indispensable to obtain the information necessary to achieve 
the interoperability of an independently created computer program with other programs, 
provided that the following conditions are met: 
(i) these acts are performed by the licensee or by another person having a right to 
use a copy of a program, or on their behalf by a person authorized to do so; 
(ii) the information necessary to achieve interoperability has not previously been 
readily available to the persons referred to in (i); and 
(iii) these acts are confined to the parts of the original program which are necessary 
to achieve interoperability. 
(2) The provisions of subsection (1) shall not permit the information obtained 
through its application : 
agreement. (i) to be used for goals other than to achieve the interoperability of the independently 
created computer program; 
(ii) to be given to others, except when necessary for the interoperability of the 
independently created computer program; or 
(iii) to be used for the development, production or marketing of a computer program 
substantially similar in its expression, or for any other act which infringes copyright. 
(3) The provisions of subsections (1) and (2) may not be deviated from by Ministry of Culture Translation 
Remuneration for Commercial Resale 
of Works of Art IP/N/1/DNK/C/l 
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April 1996 
Section 38.-(1) In the event of commercial resale of copies of works of art the author shall 
be entitled to a remuneration offive per cent of the sales price, excluding VAT. 
(2) The provision of subsection (1) shall not comprise architectural works. 
Works of applied art shall not be comprised if they have been produced in several identical 
copies. 
(3) The Minister for Culture may stipulate further provisions concerning the 
calculation of remuneration, including provisions concerning the minimum sales price which 
shall give entitlement to remuneration. 
(4) The right to remuneration shall last until the expiration of the term of 
copyright, cf Section 63 of this Act. The right is personal and unassignable. After the death 
of the author the right shall, however, succeed to the spouse and issue of the author. Where 
the author does not leave any spouse or issue, the right of remuneration shall pass to the 
organisation mentioned in subsection (5). 
(5) The right of remuneration may be claimed only by an organisation approved 
by the Minister for Culture. The organisation shall be in charge of the collection and shall 
make the distribution to the beneficiaries. The beneficiary's claim against the organisation 
shall last until three years have elapsed from the end of the year in which the resale took 
place. The period of limitation shall be suspended by written demand from the beneficiary. 
(6) In the event of commercial resale as mentioned in subsection of (1), the 
seller is under an obligation to forward an annual statement of the sale of works of art 
certified by a state-authorized public accountant or registered accountant to the 
organisation mentioned in subsection (5). IP/NI1/DNK/CI 1 
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Ministry of Culture Translation 
Remuneration for Reproduction 
for Private Use April 1996 
Section 39.-(1) Anyone who for commercial purposes produces or imports sound tapes or 
videotapes or other devices on to which sound or images can be recorded shall pay 
remuneration to the authors of the works mentioned in subsection (2). 
(2) The remuneration shall be paid for tapes, etc., which are suitable for 
production of copies for private use, and only for works which have been broadcast on 
radio or television, or which have been published on phonogram, film, videogram, etc. 
(3) Administration and control, including collection, shall be carried out by a 
joint organisation representing a substantial number of Danish authors, performers and other 
rightholders, including record producers, etc., and photographers, and which is approved by 
the Minister for Culture. The Minister may request to receive all information about 
collection, administration and distribution of the remuneration. 
(4) The organisation lays down guidelines for payment of the remuneration to 
the beneficiaries so that to the greatest possible extent distribution will take place in 
accordance with the copying actually made. One third of the annual amount for payment 
shall, however, be used to support purposes common to the authors and others within the 
groups represented by the organisation, cf. subsection (3). 
Section 40. For 1993, the remuneration per minute playing time for sound tape is DKK 
0.045 and for videotape DKK 0.0625. The remuneration shall be adjusted annually by the 
rate adjustment percentage, cf. Act on a rate adjustment percentage. 
Section 41.-(1) Companies which for commercial purposes produce or import sound tapes 
or videotapes, etc., shall be registered with the joint organisation. 
(2) The organisation shall issue a certificate for the registration. Ministry of Culture Translation IP/NIl/DNK/CI 1 
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April 1996 
(3) Registered companies shall without the remuneration having been settled be 
entitled to import or from another registered company to receive sound tapes or videotapes 
liable to remuneration in accordance with Section 39. 
Section 42.-(1) The remuneration period shall be the month. 
(2) Registered companies shall prepare a statement of the number of sound 
tapes and videotapes liable to remuneration which during the period have been distributed 
by the company, and their playing time. 
(3) Registered companies using sound tapes or videotapes within the company 
shall include the requirements for distribution according to subsection (2). 
(4) The statement shall be specified in accordance with guidelines to be laid 
down by the Minister for Culture according to negotiation with the joint organisation. The 
Minister for Culture may, moreover, subject to negotiation with the joint organisation lay 
down guidelines for control measures in connection with the statement mentioned in the 
first paragraph of this subsection. 
Section 43.-(1) A deduction shall be made from the number liable to remuneration made up 
in accordance with Section 42(2): 
(i) the number of sound tapes and videotapes distributed to another registered 
company in accordance with Section 41(3); 
(ii) the number of exported sound tapes and videotapes; 
(iii) the number of sound tapes and videotapes to be used for professional purposes, 
including educational purposes; 
(iv) the number of sound tapes and videotapes to be used for production of recordings 
to be used for the visually handicapped and hearing-impaired persons; 
(v) the number of sound tapes and videotapes to be used for special purposes which by the 
Minister for Culture have been exempted from the remuneration. IP/N/I/DNK/C/l 
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(2) The Minister for Culture may according to negotiation with the joint 
organisation lay down guidelines for controlling deductions in accordance with subsection 
(1) hereof. 
Section 44.-(1). The remuneration shall be repaid in case of: 
(i) commercial export of sound tapes or videotapes on which remuneration has 
been paid; 
(ii) utilization of sound tapes or videotapes for professional purposes, including 
educational purposes, on which remuneration has been paid; 
(iii) utilization of sound tapes or videotapes for production of recordings to be 
used by visually handicapped or hearing-impaired persons, on which 
remuneration has been paid; or 
(iv) utilization of sound tapes or video tapes for special purposes which by the 
Minister for Culture have been exempted from payment of the remuneration, 
which remuneration has been paid. 
(2) In accordance with negotiation with the joint organisation, the Minister for 
Culture lays down the guidelines to apply to refunding of remuneration according to 
subsection (1). 
Section 45.-(1) Registered comparues shall keep accounts of production, import and 
distribution etc., of sound tapes and videotapes liable to remuneration. 
(2) In accordance with negotiation with the joint organisation, the Minister for 
Culture lays down guidelines to apply to the accounting of the registered companies, 
including issue of invoices etc. 
(3) Registered companies shall keep accounting material for five years after the 
end of the financial year. Ministry of Culture Translation IP/N/1/DNK/C/1 
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April 1996 
Section 46. After the end of each remuneration period and not later than at the 
end of the next month registered companies shall to the joint organisation deliver a ... 
statement specifying the number of distributed sound cassette tapes and video cassette 
tapes, and their playing time, cf Sections 42 and 43. The company shall at the latest 
together with delivery of the statement pay the remuneration to the organisation. The 
statement shall be signed by the management of the company. 
Common Provisions 
on Compulsory License 
Section 47.-(1) If no agreement can be. reached on the amount of the remuneration in 
accordance with Section 17(2), Section 18(1), Section 35, Section 51(2) and Section 68 of 
this Act, each party may submit the question to a Tribunal, the Copyright License Tribunal, 
set up by the Minister for Culture. The decision of the Tribunal may not be brought before 
any other administrative authority. The Minister for Culture will lay down the rules 
governing the activities of the Tribunal. 
(2) The Minister for Culture may lay down rules on collection of remunerations 
in accordance with Section 17(2), Section 18(1), Section 35 and Section 68. 
(3) If the user of a work in accordance with Section 35 or Section 68 Act does 
not pay the remuneration fixed by agreement between the parties or according to a decision 
made by the Copyright Licence Tribunal, it may by judgment be established that utilization 
of the work in question may be made only subject to the consent of the author until payment 
is effected. 
Section 48.-(1) Ifa broadcaster unreasonably refuses to give its consent to distribution of its 
broadcast via cable system simultaneously and unaltered or if such redistribution is offered 
on unreasonable terms, the Copyright License Tribunal may at request grant the necessary 
permission and lay down the conditions in this respect. Nevertheless, a decision on the 
fixing of the remuneration may insofar as broadcasts comprised by Section 35(1) are IP/NI 1 IDNK/CI 1 
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Ministry of Culture Translation April 1996 
concerned be made only on the basis of a demand made by the broadcaster through the joint 
organisation mentioned in Section 35(3). The provisions of Section 35(4) and Section 49 
shall apply correspondingly to the claims for remuneration mentioned in the second 
paragraph of this subsection. 
(2) Where in accordance with Section 69, a broadcaster refuses to give its 
consent to a broadcast be recorded in a manner as mentioned in second division of the first 
paragraph of Section 13 (1) or 17(3) or in the absence of any agreement on the conditions of 
such a recording, the Copyright License Tribunal may at the request of each party grant the 
necessary permission and lay down the conditions in this respect. 
(3) The provision of subsection (2) shall apply only if an organisation of authors 
have made an agreement comprised by Section 50, cf the second division of the first 
paragraph of Section 13(1) or Section 17(3). The provision of Section 49 hereof shall apply 
correspondingly. 
Section 49.-(1) Claims for remuneration according to Section 17(2), Section 18(1), Section 
35 and Section 68 shall become statute-barred after three years from the end of the year in 
which the utilization of the work took place. 
(2) If the claim for remuneration is made by an organisation the provision of 
subsection (1) shall apply also to the author's claims against the organisation. 
(3) The limitation shall be suspended by written demand. 
Common Provisions on Extended Collective 
Agreement Licenses 
Section 50.-(1) Extended collective agreement license according to Sections 13, 14, 17 (3) 
and Section 30 may be invoked by users who have made an agreement on the particular 
exploitation of the work with an organisation comprising a substantial number of Danish 
authors of a certain type of works. The extended agreement license grants the users a right Ministry of Culture Trans laff on IP/NIl/DNK/CI 1 
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April 1996 
to exploit other works of the same nature although the authors of those works are not 
represented by the organisation. 
(2) The extended collective agreement license gives the user right only to 
exploit the unrepresented works in the manner and on the tenns that follow from the 
agreement made with the organisation and from the provisions mentioned in subsection (1). 
Section 51.-(1) For exploitation of works according to Sections 13 and 14, Section 17(3) 
and Section 30, the rules laid down by the organisation with regard to the distribution of 
remuneration between the authors represented by the organisation shall apply 
correspondingly to unrepresented authors. 
(2) Unrepresented authors may claim an individual remuneration although such 
a right appears neither from the agreement with the user nor from the organisation's rules 
on remuneration. The amount of the individual remuneration may be fixed according to the 
provision of Section 47(1). The claim for remuneration shall be advanced against the 
organisation only. 
(3) The provision of Section 49 shall apply correspondingly to the claims for 
remuneration according to the rules mentioned in subsections (1) and (2). 
Section 52.-(1) In the absence of any result of negotiations on the making of agreements as 
mentioned in Section 13(1), Section 14 and Section 17(3), each party may request 
mediation. 
(2) Requests for mediation shall be addressed to the Minister for Culture. The 
request may be made when one of the parties has broken off the negotiations or rejected a 
request for negotiations, or if the negotiations do not appear to lead to any result. 
(3) The mediation shall be made by a mediator to be appointed by the Minister 
for Culture. The mediation negotiations shall be based on the parties' proposal for a 
solution, if any. The mediator may propose to the parties to have the dispute settled by 
arbitration and may participate in the appointment of arbitrators. IP/N/I/DNK/C/l 
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Ministry of Culture Translation April 1996 
(4) The mediator may make proposals for the solution of the dispute and may 
demand that such a proposal be submitted to the competent bodies of the parties for 
adoption or rejection within a time-limit fixed by the mediator. The mediator shall notify the 
Minister for Culture of the outcome of the mediation. 
(5) The mediator may decide that agreements shall remain in force although the 
agreement term has expired or will expire in the course of the negotiations. However, the 
agreement cannot be prolonged for more than two weeks after the parties have decided on a 
final mediation proposal or proposal for arbitration, or after the mediator has notified that 
there is no basis to make such proposals. 
(6) The person who is or who has been mediator must not without authorization 
disclose or utilize any knowledge obtained in his capacity of being a mediator. 
Chapter 3 
Assignment of Copyright 
General Provisions 
Section 53.-(1) Subject to the limitations following from Sections 3 and 38 the copyright 
holder may wholly or partially assign his rights according to this law. 
(2) The transfer of copies shall not include an assignment of the copyright. 
(3) Where a right to exploit the work in a specific manner or through specific 
means has been assigned, the assignment does not give the assignee the right to exploit the 
work in any other manners or through any other means. 
(4) The provisions of Sections 54-59 on assignment of copyright may be 
deviated from by agreement between the parties except where otherwise provided in the 
individual provisions. 
Section 54. The assignee shall be under an obligation to exploit the work. The author may 
cancel the agreement if the assignee has not exploited the work within a reasonable time or Ministry o[Culture Translation IP/N/I/DNK/C/l 
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April 1996 
at the latest five years after the time where the agreement has been fulfilled on the part of 
the author. 
Section 55. Where the agreement does not expressly specify individual fonns of exploitation 
comprised by the assignment the author may $ubject to a reasonable notice terminate the 
assignment of the rights in the unspecified fonns of exploitation which have not been 
implemented by the assignee within three years from the time when the agreement has been 
fulfilled on the part of the author. 
Alterations and Re-assignment 
Section 56.-(1) Assignment of copyright does not give the assignee any right to alter the 
work unless the alteration is usual or obviously presumed. 
(2) Assignment of the copyright does not give the assignee any right to re­
assign the copyright unless the re-assignment is usual or obviously presumed. The assignor 
remains liable for the perfonnance of the agreement with the author. 
Settlement and Control 
Section 57.-(1) If the author's remuneration depends on the assignee's turnover, sales 
figures, etc., the author may demand that settlement is made at least once a year. The author 
may likewise demand that the settlement be accompanied by satisfactory infonnation on the 
circumstances forming the basis of the calculation of the remuneration. 
(2) The author may demand that the accounts, bookkeeping and inventory 
together with certifications by the party who has exploited the work in connection with the 
annual settlement according to subsection (1) be made available to a state-authorized public 
accountant or registered accountant appointed by the author. The accountant shall infonn 
the author of the correctness of the settlement and of irregularities, if any. The accountant IP/NIl/DNK/CI 1 
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Ministry of Culture Translation April 1996 
shall otherwise observe secrecy about all other matters that become known to him in 
connection with his review. 
(3) The provisions of subsections (1) and (2) shall not be deviated from to the 
detriment of the author. 
Special Provisions concerning Agreements 
on Recording of Films 
Section 58.-(1) An agreement to take part in the recording of a film shall imply that the 
author shall have no right to oppose that 
(i) copies of the film are made; 
(ii) copies of the film are distributed to the public; 
(iii) the film is performed in public; or 
(iv) the film is subtitled or dubbed in another language. 
(2) The provision of subsection (1) shall not apply to 
(i) works already existing; 
(ii)script, dialogues and musical works created for the purpose of making the film; or 
(iii) the principal director of the film. Ministry o/Culture Translation 
Special Provisions on Computer 
Programs produced in the course of 
Employment IP/NI 1 IDNK/CI 1 
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April 1996 
Section 59. Where a computer program is created by an employee in the execution of his 
duties or following the instructions given by his employer the copyright in such a computer 
program shall pass to the employer. 
Commissioned Portraits 
Section 60. The author shall not have the right to exercise his rights in a commissioned 
portrait without the consent of the commissioner. 
Inheritance and Creditor Proceedings 
Section 61.-(1) The usual provisions of the inheritance laws shall apply to the copyright 
upon the author's death. 
(2) The author may give directions in his will with binding effect also for the 
spouse and issue concerning the exercise of the copyright, or may authorize somebody else 
to give such directions. 
Section 62.(1) The author's right to control his work shall not be subject to creditor 
proceedings, either when remaining with the author or when with any person who has 
acquired the copyright by virtue of marriage or inheritance. 
(2) Copies of the work shall not be subject to creditor proceedings either when 
remaining with the author or when with any person to whom copies have been assigned by 
virtue of marriage or inheritance if the proceedings are in respect of 
(i) manuscripts IP/N/I/DNK/C/l 
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Ministry of Culture Translation April 1996 
(ii) bases, plates, forms, etc., by which a work of art can be performed; or 
(iii) copies of works of art which have not yet been exhibited, offered for sale or 
in any other way approved for publication. 
Chapter 4 
Duration of Copyright 
Section 63.-(1) The copyright in a work shall last for 70 years after the year of the author's 
death or with regard to the works mentioned in Section 6 after the year of death of the last 
surviving author. With regard to cinematographic works the copyright, however, shall last 
for 70 years after the year of death of the last of the following persons to survive: 
(i) the principal director; 
(ii) the author of the script; 
(ill) the author of the dialogue; and 
(iv) the composer of music specifically created for use in the cinematographic work. 
(2) Where a work is made public without indication of the author's name, 
generally known pseudonym or signature, the copyright shall last for 70 years after the year 
in which the work was made public. Where a work consists of parts, volumes, instalments, 
issues or episodes a separate term of protection shall run for each item. 
(3) If within the period mentioned the author is indicated in accordance with 
Section 7 or if it is established that he had died before the work was made public, the 
duration of copyright shall be calculated in accordance with subsection (1). 
(4) Copyright in a work of unknown authorship that has not been made public 
shall last 70 years after the end of the year in which the work was created. Ministry of Culture Translation IP/N/l/DNK/C/l 
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April1996 
Section 64. When a work has not been published previously, the person who lawfully 
makes the work public or publishes it for the first time after the expiry of copyright 
protection, shall have rights in the work equivalent to the economic rights attributed by the 
Act to the person creating a literary or artistic work. This protection shall last for 25 years 
after the end of the year in which the work was made public or published. 
Chapter 5 
Other Rights 
Performing Artists 
Section 65.-(1) The performance of a literary or artistic work by a performing artist may not 
without his consent 
(i) be recorded on tape, film or any other device by means of which it can be 
reproduced; or 
(ii) be made available to the public. 
(2) Where a performance has been recorded as stated in subsection (I)(i), it 
must not without the consent of the performing artist be transferred to any other device by 
means of which it can be reproduced or be made available to the public until 50 years after 
the end of the year in which the performance took place. However, if a recording of the 
performance is lawfully published or lawfully communicated to the public during this period, 
the rights shall expire 50 years from the date of the first such publication, or the first such 
communication, whichever is the earlier. 
(3) An agreement between a performing artist and a film producer to take part 
in the recording of a film implies that in the absence of any opposite agreement the 
performing artist is assumed to have assigned his right to the rental of the film to the 
producer. 
(4) The provisions of Section 2(3), Sections 3 and 11, Section 12(I)and (2)(iv), 
Section 12(3)(i) and Section 12(4), Sections 13, 15 and 16, Section 17(3), Section 18(1) 
and (2), Section 19(1) and (2), Sections 21, 22, 25, 27, 28, 31 and 33-35, Section 36(2), IP/N/l IDNK/CI 1 
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Ministry of Culture Translation April 1996 
Sections 39-47, 49-57, and Sections 61 and 62 shall apply correspondingly to performers' 
performances and recordings of such performances. The provision of Section 19(1) shall 
apply only to a recording according to subsections (1) and (2) when it is sold for the first 
time or in any other manner assigned by the rightholder or with the consent of the 
rightholder within the area of the European Economic Area. 
(5) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1) the Royal Theatre may let 
gala performances or performances in connection with official visits be broadcast by 
Danmarks Radio or TV2 on radio or television. 
Producers of Sound Recordings 
Section 66.-(1) Sound recordings may not be copied without the consent of the producer or 
made available to the public until 50 years have elapsed after the end of the year in which 
the recording was made. If a sound recording is lawfully published or lawfully 
communicated to the public during this period the protection shall, however, expire 50 years 
from the end of the year of the first such publication or the first such communication to the 
public, whichever is the earlier. Copying shall also be understood to mean the transfer of a 
recording from one recording to another. 
(2) The provisions of Section 2(3), Section 11(2), Section 12(l)and (2) (iv), 
Section 12(3)(i) and Section 12(4), Sections 13, 15 and 16, Section 17(3), Section 18(1) 
and (2), Section 19(1) and (2), Sections 21, 22, 25, 27, 28, 31, 33, 34, 35(1), Section 36(2), 
Sections 39-47, 49-52 shall apply correspondingly to sound recordings. The provision of 
Section 19(1) shall apply only to a recording according to subsection (1) when the 
recording is sold for the first time or in any other manner assigned by the rightholder or with 
the rightholder's consent within the area of the European Economic Area. Ministry of Culture Translation IP/N/1/DNK/C/l 
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April 1996 
Producers of Recordings of Moving Pictures 
Section 67.-(1) Recordings of moving pictures may not be copied without the consent of 
the producer or made available to the public until 50 years after the end of the year in which 
the recording was made. If a recording of a moving picture is lawfully published or lawfully 
communicated to the public during this period the protection shall, however, expire 50 years 
from the end of the year of the first such publication or the first such communication to the 
public, whichever is the earlier. Copying shall also be understood to mean the transfer of a 
recording from one recording to another. 
(2) The provisions of Section 2(3), Section 11(2), Section 12(I)and (2)(iv) 
Section 12(3)(ii) and Section 12(4), Sections 13, 15 and 16, Section 17(3), Section 18(1) 
and (2), Section 19(1) and (2), Section 21(3), 22, 25, 27, 28, Section 31-34, Section 35(1), 
Section 36(2), Section 47, and Sections 49-52 shall apply correspondingly to recordings of 
moving pictures. The provision of Section 19( 1) shall apply only to a recording according to 
subsection (1) when the recording is sold for the first time or in any other manner assigned 
by the rightholder or with the rightholder's consent within the area of the European 
Economic Area. 
Remuneration for use of Sound Recordings 
in Broadcasts on Radio and Television, etc. 
68.-(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 65(2) and Section 66(1), published sound 
recordings may be used in broadcasts on radio and television and for other public 
performances. 
(2) Performing artists and producers of sound recordings shall be entitled to 
remuneration. The claim for remuneration may be made only through a joint organisation 
approved by the Minister for Culture, which comprises performers as well as producers of 
sound recordings. IP/NII/DNK/CI 1 
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Ministry of Culture Translation April 1996 
(3) The provisions of subsections (1) and (2) shall not apply to broadcasts on 
television and other public performances of cinematographic works if sound and images are 
broadcast or performed simultaneously. 
Broadcasters 
Section 69. -(1) A radio or television broadcast may not without the consent of the 
broadcaster be rebroadcast by others or in any other manner be performed in public. Neither 
may the broadcast without consent be photographed or recorded on tape, film or any other 
device by means of which it can be reproduced. 
(2) Where a broadcast is photographed or recorded as mentioned in subsection 
(1), it must not without the consent of the organisation be transferred to any other device by 
means of which it can be reproduced or distributed to the public until 50 years have elapsed 
from the end of the year in which the broadcast took place. 
(3) The provisions of Section 11(2), Section 12(1) and (2)(iv), Section 15, 
Section 19(1) and (2), Sections 21, 22 and 25, Section 27(1) and (3), Sections 28, 31, 32, 
33, and Section 36(2) shall apply correspondingly to radio and television broadcasts. The 
provision of Section 19(1) of this Act shall apply only to a recording according to 
subsection (2) when the recording is sold for the first time or in any other manner assigned 
by the rightholder or with the rightholder's consent within the area of the European 
Economic Area. 
Producers of Photographic Pictures 
Section 70.-(1) The person who produces a photographic picture (the photographer) shall 
enjoy the exclusive right to make copies of it and make it available to the public. Ministry of Culture Translation IP 1Nl liD NK/CIl 
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April 1996 
(2) The rights in a photographic picture shall last until 50 years have elapsed 
from the end of the year in which the picture was taken. 
(3) The provisions of Section 2(2) and (3), Sections 3,7, 9 and 11, Section 
12(1) and (2)(iv) Sections 13-16, Section 17(3), Section 18(1) and (2), Section 19(1) and 
(2), Sections 20, 21 and 23, Section 24(1) and (2), Sections 25, 27, 28, 30, 31 and Sections 
33-35, Section 36(2), and Sections 39-47 and 49-58, and Sections 60-62 shall apply 
correspondingly to photographic pictures. Where a photographic picture is subject to 
copyright according to Section 1, such rights may also be enforced. 
Producers of Catalogues, etc. 
Section 71.-(1) Catalogues, tables and similar works in which a great number of items of 
information have been compiled, may not be copied without the consent of the producer 
until 10 years have elapsed from the end of the year in which the work was made public. 
However, the protection expires 15 years after the end of the year in which the work was 
produced. 
(2) Where productions of the said nature or parts hereof are subject to 
copyright or other protection, such rights may also be enforced. 
(3) The provisions of Sections 6-9, Section 11(2), Section 12(1) and (2)(iv) , 
Sections 13-17, Section 18(1) and (2), Sections 22,27,28,30-35, Section 36(2), Sections 
47 and 49-52 shall apply correspondingly to catalogues, etc. 
Press Releases 
Section 72. Press releases supplied under contract with foreign news agencies or from 
correspondents abroad, may not without the consent of the recipient be made available to JP IN 11 ID NK/CI 1 
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Ministry of Culture Translation April 1996 
the public through the press, the radio or in any other similar manner until after 12 hours 
after they have been made public in Denmark. 
Chapter 6 
Various Provisions 
Protection of Titles, etc. 
Section 73.-(1) A literary or artistic work may not be made available to the public under a 
title, pseudonym or signature likely to be confused with a work previously made public or 
with its author. 
(2) Where the publication of the work made public previously has taken place 
less than three months prior to the publishing of the other work, the provision of subsection 
(1) shall not apply unless it may be presumed that the confusion was intentional. 
Signing of Works of Art 
Section 74.-(1) The name or signature of the artist may not be placed on a work of art by 
others than himself without his consent. 
(2) The name or signature of the artist may not in any case be put on a 
reproduction in such a manner that the reproduction is likely to be confused with the 
original. IP/NI 1 IDNK/CI 1 
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Ministry of Culture Translation April 1996 
Moral Rights after 
the Expiration of Copyright 
Section 75. Although the copyright has expired a literary or artistic work may not be 
altered or made available to the public contrary to Section 3(1) and (2) of this Act if cultural 
interests are thereby violated. 
Chapter 7 
Enforcement of the Law 
Penal Sanctions 
Section 76.-(1) Anyone who with intent or by gross negligence 
(i) violates Section 2 or Section 3; 
(ii) violates Sections 65, 66, 67, 69, 70 or 71; 
(iii) violates Section 11(2), Section 60 or Sections 72-75; 
(iv) fails to file a statement according to Section 38(6); 
(v) fails to register or fails to disclose information to the joint organisation 
according to Section 41 (1) and the first paragraph of Section 46, or fails to 
keep and hold accounts according to Section 45; or 
(vi) violates regulations laid down pursuant to Section 61 (2) 
is liable to a fine. 
(2) Where an intentional violation of subsection (1)(i) and (ii) above has been 
committed by production for commercial purposes or by distribution among the general 
public of copies of literary or artistic works or by performances or productions that are 
protected under Sections 65-71 of this Act, the punishment may under particularly 
aggravated circumstances be increased to simple detention or imprisonment for a term not 
exceeding 12 months. Particularly aggravated circumstances are deemed to exist especially 
where the offence concerns a substantial number of copies, or where the object of the 
offence is to obtain a considerable profit. IP/N/I/DNK/C/l 
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Ministry of Culture Translation April 1996 
Section 77.-(1) Where copies of works or of performances or productions that are 
protected under Sections 65-71 have been produced outside Denmark under such 
circumstances that a similar production in Denmark would have been in conflict with the 
law, anyone who with intent or by gross negligence imports such copies with a view to 
making them available to the public shall be liable to a fine. 
(2) The provision of Section 76(2) shall apply correspondingly to intentional 
violations of the provision of subsection (1). 
Section 78.-( 1) Anyone who with intent or by gross negligence markets or for commercial 
purposes possesses means the only purpose of which is to facilitate unlawful removal or 
circumvention of technical devices which may have been used to protect a computer 
program is liable to a fine. 
(2) The provision of subsection (1) above shall apply correspondingly to other 
works in digitized form. 
Section 79. Regulations issued in accordance with Section 16, Section 31(2), Section 42(4), 
Section 43(2), Section 44(2), Section 45(2) and Section 47(2) may lay down the fine for 
violation of the provisions of the regulations. 
Section 80. Where a violation has been committed by a company, a society, a foundation, 
etc., such company, society, foundation etc. may be liable to punishment by such a fine. 
Where the violation has been committed by the State, a municipality or by a joint municipal 
entity, cf Section 60 of the Local Administration Act, the State, municipality or joint 
municipal entity may be liable to a fine. Ministry of Culture Translation 
Legal Proceedings IP IN I liD NK/CI 1 
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April 1996 
Section 81.-(1) Legal proceedings in respect of violations comprised by Section 76(1), 
Section 77(1), or Section 79 shall be instituted at the instance of the aggrieved party. 
(2) After the death of the author, legal proceedings in respect of violations of 
Section 3 and of the regulations prescribed pursuant to Section 61 (2) shall, moreover, be 
instituted by the author's spouse, relative in direct line of ascent or descent, or any sisters or 
brothers. 
(3) After the death of the author, legal proceedings in respect of violation of 
Sections 3 and 73-74 shall be instituted by the public authorities. However, legal 
proceedings in respect of violations of Section 3 of this Act may be instituted by the public 
authorities only where cultural interests must be deemed to be infringed by the violation. 
(4) Legal proceedings in the event of violations of Sections 75 and 78 shall be 
instituted at the instance of the public authorities 
Section 82.-(1) Legal proceedings in respect of violations comprised by Section 76(2) or 
Section 77(2) shall be instituted at the instance of the public authorities at the request of the 
aggrieved party. 
(2) Searches in cases concerning violation of provisions of this Act shall be 
made in accordance with the rules of the Administration of Justice Act concerning searches 
in cases which may carry a sentence of imprisonment according to the law. 
Damages and Compensation 
Section 83.-(1) Anyone who with intent or by negligence violates any of the provisions of 
Sections 76 or 77 shall be liable to pay reasonable remuneration for the exploitation and 
damages for any additional damage caused by the violation. 
(2) Even if the violation is committed in good faith the infringed party may be 
awarded remuneration and compensation according to the provision of subsection (1) to IP/NI1 IDNK/CI 1 
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Ministry of Culture Translation April 1996 
the extent this is deemed reasonable. However, in such cases the remuneration and 
compensation shall not exceed the profit gained by the violation. 
(3) An author, a photographer or a performing artist whose rights are infringed 
by any unlawful act shall be entitled to damages for tort. 
Seizure, etc. 
Section 84.-(1) If copies of works or of performances or productions protected according 
to Sections 65-71 of this Act have been made in, imported into or made available to the 
public in Denmark in contravention of this Act or of the regulations laid down in Section 
61(2) it may by judgment be ordered that such copies shall be seized in favour of the 
infringed party to be transferred to him against a remuneration not to exceed the production 
costs. 
(2) Instead of seizure or transfer, it may be ordered that the copies shall be 
destroyed in whole or in part or in any other manner be made unserviceable for unlawful 
use. If due to the artistic or financial value of the copies or if otherwise deemed reasonable 
in the circumstances, the courts may allow the copies to be made available to the public 
against damages and compensation to the infringed party. 
(3) The provisions of subsections (1) and (2) shall apply correspondingly to type 
matters, printing blocks, forms and other things that may serve unlawful production or 
application of the work or the production. 
(4) The provisions of subsections (1) -(3) above shall not apply to persons who 
have acquired copies in good faith for private use. 
(5) Seizure or destructions of buildings may not be demanded in pursuance of 
subsections (1) -(2). Ministry of Culture Translation 
Chapter 8 
Scope of Application of this Act 
Copyright IP/NI1 IDNK/CI 1 
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April 1996 
Section 85.-(1) The provisions of this Act concerning copyright shall apply to 
(i) works of Danish nationals or of persons having their habitual residence in Denmark; 
(ii) works first published in Denmark, or first published simultaneously in Denmark and 
in another country; 
(iii) cinematographic works, the maker of which has his headquarters or his habitual 
residence in Denmark; 
(iv) buildings erected in Denmark; and 
(v) works ofart incorporated in a building or other structure in Denmark. 
(2) Where subsection (l)(ii) is applied, publication shall be considered as 
simultaneous if the work is published in Denmark within 30 days of its publishing in another 
country. 
(3) Where subsection (1 )(iii) is applied, the person or corporate body whose 
name appears on the cinematographic work in the usual manner shall, in the absence of 
information to the contrary, be presumed to be the maker of the said work. 
(4) The provision of Section 38 shall apply to works of persons who are 
nationals or who have their habitual residence in a country within the European Economic 
Area. 
(5) The provisions of Section 64 shall apply to publications etc. made by 
(i) persons who are nationals or who have their habitual residence in a country within 
the European Economic Area; or 
(ii) companies with headquarters in a country within the European Economic Area. 
(6) The provisions of Sections 73-75 shall apply to any work. IP IN 11 ID NK/CI 1 
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Ministry of Culture Translation April 1996 
Other Rights 
Section 86.-(1) The provisions of Sections 65, 66 and 68 shall apply to performances and 
sound recordings which have taken place in Denmark. 
(2) The provisions of Sections 65 and 66 concerning recording and copying 
shall, however, apply to all sound recordings. 
(3) The provision of Section 67 shall apply to recordings of moving pictures 
that have taken place in a country within the European Economic Area. 
(4) The provision of Section 69 shall apply to 
(i) broadcasts which have taken place in Denmark; and 
(ii) broadcasters having their headquarters in Denmark. 
(5) The provision of Section 70 shall apply to 
(i) photographs made by persons who are nationals who have their habitual 
residence in a country within the European Economic Area; and 
(ii) photographs incorporated in buildings or structures in a country within the 
European Economic Area. 
(6) The provision of Section 71 shall apply to catalogues made by 
(i) persons who are nationals or have their habitual residence in a country within 
the European Economic Area; or 
(ii) companies with headquarters in a country within the European Economic Area. 
(7) The provisions of subsection 6 shall apply correspondingly to press releases 
as mentioned in Section 72. 
Special Provisions on Satellite Broadcasting 
Section 87.-(1) Satellite broadcasting shall be deemed to occur in Denmark if the program­
carrying signals intended for reception by the public under the control and responsibility of 
the broadcaster in this country are introduced into an uninterrupted chain of communication 
leading to the satellite and down towards the earth. Ministry of Culture Translation IP/N/1/DNK/C/1 
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April 1996 
(2) Satellite broadcasting shall also be deemed to occur in Denmark if the 
introduction in the chain of communication occurs in a State that is not a member of the 
European Economic Area and which does not enjoy the level of protection as laid down in 
Chapter IT of Council Directive 93/83/EEC of 27 September 1993 on coordination of 
certain rules concerning copyright and rights related to copyright applicable to satellite 
broadcasting and cable retransmissions in the following cases 
(i) if the program-carrying signals are transmitted to the satellite from an uplink 
station situated in Denmark. The rights provided by Sections 2, 64, and 65-73 
shall then be enforceable against the person operating the station; 
(ii) if there is no use of an uplink station situated in an EEA Member State but a 
broadcaster with its headquarters in Denmark has caused the introduction into the 
chain of communications. The rights provided under Sections 2, 64, and 65-73 shall 
then be enforceable against the broadcaster. 
Application of this Act 
vis-a-vis other Countries, etc. 
Section 88.-(1) By Royal Decree the application of this Act may be extended to other 
countries conditional upon reciprocity. 
(2) By Royal Decree the Act may also be made applicable to works first 
published by international organisations and to unpublished works which such organisations 
are entitled to publish. 
Chapter 9 
Coming into Force 
and Transitional Provisions 
Section 89.-(1) This Act shall come into force on 1 July 1995. 
(2) Simultaneously the following acts shall be repealed: JP IN 11 ID NK/CI 1 
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Ministry o/Culture Translation April 1996 
(i) Act on Copyright in literary and Artistic Works, cf Statutory Order 
No. 1170 of21 December 1994; and 
(ii) Act on the Rights in Photographic Pictures, cf Statutory Order No. 715 
of 8 September 1993. 
(3) Regulations issued according to the previous statutes shall remain in force 
until repealed or replaced by regulations issued in accordance with this present Act. 
Violation of the rules shall be punished in accordance with the rules previously in force. 
Section 90.-(1) This Act shall apply also to works and performances and productions etc., 
made before the coming into force of this present Act. 
(2) This Act shall not apply to acts of exploitation concluded or rights acquired 
before the coming into force of this present Act. Copies of works or of performances or 
productions etc. can continuously be distributed to the public and be exhibited in public if 
they are lawfully made at a time when such distribution or exhibitions were permitted. The 
provisions of Section 19(2) and (3) shall, however, always apply to rental and lending made 
after the coming into force of this Act. 
(3) Where prior to the effective date of the Act reproduction was commenced 
or essential preparations were made to produce copies of works or of performances or 
productions etc., which were not protected according to the previous provisions, 
reproduction may to the necessary and usual extent be completed within the planned 
framework, however, not later than until 1 January 2000. Copies made on the basis of the 
provision of the first paragraph may be distributed to the public and be exhibited in public. 
The provision of the third paragraph of subsection (2) shall apply correspondingly. 
(4) Where works, performances or productions etc., are included in a recording 
made with a view to be broadcast and which is made at the time when the said works or 
performances or productions were not protected or which is made in accordance with 
subsection (3) such recordings may continue to be used for broadcasting until 1 January 
2000. The provision of the first paragraph of this subsection (4) shall apply correspondingly 
to public performance of film recordings. Ministry of Culture Translation IP/N/I/DNK/C/l 
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April 1996 
(5) If by application of the new provisions the term of protection for a work or 
a performance or a production etc., shall become shorter than according to the previous 
provisions those provisions shall apply. The provision of Section 63(4) shall, however, 
always apply. 
Section 91.-(1) The provisions of Sections 54, 55, 56, and 58 shall not apply to agreements 
made before 1 July 1995. 
(2) The provision of Section 65(3) shall also apply to agreements made before 1 
July 1995. 
(3) The provisions of Section 30(5) and Section 87(2) shall not apply until 1 
January 2000 to agreements made before 1 January 1995. 
(4) The provision of Section 59 shall not apply to computer programs produced 
before 1 January 1993. 
(5) The provision of Section 70 shall not apply to photographic pictures made 
before 1 January 1970. 
Section 92. The special privileges and prohibitions provided under older laws shall remain in 
force. 
Section 93. This Act shall not extent to the Faeroe Islands and Greenland but may by Royal 
Decree be brought into full or partial operation in the Faeroe Islands and Greenland, subject 
to such modifications as are deemed appropriate having regard to the special conditions 
obtaining in those territories. IP IN I liD NK/CI 1 
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Ministry o/Culture Translation April 1996 
Denmark 
Ordinance No. 964 of 12 December 1995 
Ordinance on the Application of the Act on Copyright 
with Respect to Other Countries 
Since Denmark has acceded to 
the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, as revised 
at Paris on 24 July 1971, 
The Universal Copyright Convention, as revised at Paris on the same date, 
the European Agreement of22 June 1960, on the Protection of Television 
Broadcasts 
the International Convention of26 October 1961 for the Protection of Performers, 
Producers of Ph ono grams and Broadcasting Organizations (the Rome Convention), 
and 
the Agreement of 15 April 1994 on Establishment of the World Trade Organization 
(WTO) containing an Agreement on Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights 
(TRIPS), 
the following is laid down pursuant to Section 88 of Act No. 395 of 14 June 1995 on 
Copyright as regard the application of the provisions of the Act in relation to other 
countries: Ministry o/Culture Translation 
Copyright 
Berne Convention IP/N/l/DNK/C/l 
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April 1996 
Section 1. The provisions of Chapters 1 to 4 and 6 to 9, with the exception of 
Sections 39 to 46 of the Copyright Act shall be applied subject to the deviations following 
from Sections 2 to 4, and Sections 9 and 10 of this Ordinance to 
(i) works by persons who are nationals of or who have their habitual 
residence in countries that have acceded to the International Union for the 
Protection of Literary and Artistic Works (the Berne Union); 
(ii) other works published for the first time in another country of the 
Union or published in such a country simultaneously with or within 30 days 
after their first publishing in a country outside the Union; 
(iii) cinematographic works, the maker of which has his headquarters or 
his habitual residence in an other country of the Union; 
(iv) works of architecture erected in an other country of the Union; 
(v) works of art which have been incorporated in buildings or structures 
in an other country of the Union. 
Section 2. When the term of protection for a work has expired according to the 
legislation in force in the country of origin of the work, the work shall not enjoy protection 
under the provisions of the Copyright Act. 
(2) For works which are first published within the Berne Union, the country 
of origin shall be considered to be the country of the Union in which the work is published. 
F or works published simultaneously with or within 30 days in two or more countries of the 
Union with different terms of protection, the country of origin shall be considered to be the 
one which has the shortest term of protection. F or works published in a country of the 
Union simultaneously with or within 30 days after the first publishing in a country outside 
the Union, the country of the Union shall be regarded as the country of origin. JP IN 11 ID NK/CI 1 
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Ministry o/Culture Translation April 1996 
(3) The country of origin for unpublished works or for works which are not 
comprised by the provisions of subsection (2) shall be considered to be the country of the 
Union of which the author is a national or where he has his habitual residence. For works of 
architecture erected in a country of the Union and works ofart incorporated in buildings or 
structures in a country of the Union, that country shall be considered to be the country of 
origin. For cinematographic works the country of the Union in which the maker has his 
headquarters or habitual residence shall be considered the country of origin. 
(4) The provisions of subsections (1) to (3) shall not apply to 
(i) works of persons who are nationals of or who have their habitual 
residence in countries within the European Economic Area; 
(ii) cinematographic works, the maker of which has his headquarters or 
his habitual residence within the European Economic Area; and 
(iii) other works published simultaneously with or within 30 days in a 
country within the European Economic Area and in a country that has 
acceded to the Berne Convention. 
Section 3. For such works of applied art and industrial designs and models which in 
the country of origin are solely protected as design and models, protection shall solely be 
given under the Danish law on designs. 
Section 4. The provision of Section 38 of the Copyright Act (droit de suite) shall 
apply solely to 
(i) works of persons who are nationals of or have their habitual 
residence in a country within the European Economic Area, cf Section 
85(4) of the Act; 
(ii) works of other persons who are nationals of or have their habitual 
residence in countries of the Union which have implemented a droit de suite 
provision as mentioned in Article 14ter of the Berne Convention. Ministry o/Culture Translation 
Universal Copyright Convention IP IN 11 ID NK/CI 1 
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April 1996 
Section 5. The provisions of Chapters 1 to 4 and 6 to 9 of the Copyright Act, with 
the exception of the provisions of Sections 38 to 46 shall be applied subject to the 
deviations following from Sections 6 to 10 of this Ordinance to 
(i) works by persons who are nationals of countries that are parties to 
the Universal Copyright Convention of 1952 or the Convention as revised in 
Paris on 24 July 1971; 
(ii) other works published for the first time in a foreign Contracting 
State; 
(iii) works by persons who have their habitual residence in an other 
Contracting State provided that this State, in its legislation, accords such 
persons equal treatment with its own nationals in respect to the application 
of the Universal Copyright Convention; 
(iv) works by stateless persons and refugees who have their habitual 
residence in countries that have acceded to Protocol 1 annexed to the 
Universal Copyright Convention. 
Section 6. When the term of protection for a work has expired according to the 
legislation in force in the country of origin, the work shall not enjoy protection under the 
provisions of the Copyright Act. 
(2) When a work is published for the first time in a Contracting State, this 
State is to be considered the country of origin of the work. In the case of a work being 
published simultaneously with or within 30 days in two or more Contracting States with 
different terms of protection, the country of origin shall be considered to be the one which 
has the shortest term of protection. IP/N/1/DNK/C/l 
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Ministry o/Culture Translation April/996 
(3) When a work is published for the first time in a non-Contracting State, 
the country of origin of the work shall be considered to be the State of which the author is a 
national. 
(4) For an unpublished work, the country of origin shall be considered to be 
the country of which the author of the work is a national. 
Section 7. The provision of Section 5 shall not apply to works produced before the 
effective date of the Convention for the foreign Contracting State unless that State protects 
Danish works created before that time. 
Section 8. The provisions of Sections 5 to 7 shall not apply with respect to 
(i) works comprised by the rules of Section 2; and 
(ii) works whose country of origin which, after January 1, 1951, has 
withdrawn from the Berne Union, unless such country according to 
paragraph (b) of the Appendix Declaration Relating to Article XVII of the 
Convention text as revised in Paris in 1971, is considered to be a developing 
country and at the time of its withdrawal from the Berne Union has 
deposited with the Director General of UNESCO a notification to the effect 
that it considers itself to be a developing country. 
Previously Unpublished Works 
Section 9. The provision of Section 64 of the Copyright Act shall according to 
Section 85(5) of the Act apply only to publications ect. made by 
(i) persons who are nationals of or have their habitual residence in a 
country within the European Economic Area; or 
(ii) companies with headquarters in a country within the European 
Economic Area. Ministry afCulture Translation 
Protection of Titles, etc. IP/N/I/DNK/C/l 
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April 1996 
Section 10. The provisions of Sections 73 to 75 of the Copyright Act shall in 
accordance with Section 85(6) of the Act apply to any work. 
Publications of International Organizations 
Section 11. The provisions of Chapters 1 to 4 and 6 to 9 of the Copyright Act with 
the exeptions of sections 38 to 46 shall apply to works which are first published by the 
United Nations (UN), by the Specialized Agencies attached to the UN or by the 
Organization of American States, and to unpublished works which the above organizations 
are entitled to publish. 
Other Rights 
Performers and Producers of Phonograms (the Rome Convention) 
Section 12. The provisions of Sections 65, 66 and 68 of the Copyright Act and the 
provisions of the Act relating thereto, with the exceptions of the references in Sections 65 
and 66 to Sections 39 to 46, shall with the deviations enumerated in subsections (2) to (5) 
below apply to perfonnances and sound recordings which take place in foreign countries 
that have acceded to the International Convention of 26 October 1961, for the Protection of 
Perfonners, Producers of Ph ono grams and Broadcasting Organizations (the Rome 
Convention) or in countries within the European Economic Area. 
(2) The provisions of Sections 65 and 66 of the Copyright Act concerning 
recording and copying shall in accordance with Section 86(2) of the Act apply to all sound 
recordings. 
(3) The provision of Section 68(2) on remuneration to producers of sound 
recordings and perfonners in case of the sound recording being used in radio and television 
broadcasts or if it is used in other public perfonnances, shall apply only to IP/NI 1 IDNK/CI 1 
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Ministry of Culture Translation April 1996 
(i) recordings made for the first time in a country within the European 
Economic Area; and 
(ii) recordings made for the first time in other countries that have acceded to 
the Rome Convention. The protection of such recordings shall be granted 
only to the extend and for the term the country in question protects sound 
recordings made for the first time in Denmark. The fact that the country in 
question does not protect either of the two groups of rightholders as 
mentioned in Section 68(2) shall not be considered to be a difference in the 
extent of the protection. 
(4) The provisions of Sections 65(2) and (4) and Sections 66 of the 
Copyright Act, concerning distribution of recordings to the general public shall, with the 
exception of rental of sound recordings apply only to recordings made in a country within 
the European Economic Area. 
(5) The provisions of Section 65(1) and (2), and (4) of the Copyright Act 
concerning making performances and recordings available to the public shall with regard to 
distribution over cable systems apply only to performances and recordings which have taken 
place in a country within the European Economic Area. 
Broadcasters 
(The Rome Convention, etc.) 
Section 13. The provisions of Section 69 of the Copyright Act and the provisions 
of the Copyright Act relating thereto shall apply subject to the modifications mentioned in 
subsections (2) to (3) to 
(i) radio-and television broadcasts taking place in other countries that 
have acceded to the Rome Convention or the European Agreement of 22 Ministry o/Culture Translation IP/N/1/DNK/C/I 
Page 51 
April 1996 
June 1960 on Protection of Television Broadcasts or in countries within the 
European Economic Area; and 
(ii) broadcasters with headquarters in such countries. 
(2) The provisions of Section 69(2) and (3) of the Copyright Act regarding 
distribution of copies of recordings to the public shall apply only to radio and television 
broadcasts which have taken place in a country within the European Economic Area or have 
been made by a broadcaster with headquarters in such a country. 
(3) The provisions of Section 69( 1) regarding distribution of radio and 
television broadcasts shall in so far as distribution through cable systems is concerned 
apply only to broadcasts that have taken place in a country within the European Economic 
Area or which have been made by a broadcaster with headquarters in such a country. 
Producers of Recordings of Moving Pictures 
Section 14. The provision of Section 67 of the Copyright Act and the provisions of 
the Act relating thereto shall in accordance with Section 86(3) of the Act apply only to 
recordings of moving pictures that have taken place in a country within the European 
Economic Area. 
Producers of Photographic Pictures 
Section 15. The provision of Section 70 of the Copyright Act and the provisions of 
the Act relating thereto, with the exception of the reference to Sections 39 to 46 of the Act 
shall in accordance with Section 86(5) of the Act apply only to 
(i) photographs made by persons who are nationals of or have 
their habitual residence in a country within the European Economic Area; 
and IP/NIlIDNK/CI 1 
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Ministry o/Culture Translation 
(ii) photographs incorporated in a building or structure in a 
country within the European Economic Area. 
Producers of Catalogues, etc. April 1996 
Section 16. The provision of Section 71 of the Copyright Act and the provisions of 
the Act relating thereto shall in accordance with Section 86(6) of the Act apply only to 
catalogues, etc., made by 
(i) persons who are nationals of or have their habitual residence in a 
country within the European Economic Area; or 
(ii) companies with headquarters in a country within the European 
Economic Area. 
(2) The provision of subsection (1) shall in accordance with Section 86(7) of 
the Copyright Act apply correspondingly to press releases as mentioned in Section 72 of the 
Act. 
Special Provisions on the Agreement on 
the World Trade Organization (WTO), including 
Agreement on Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (FRJPS) 
Section 17. The provisions of Section 1 in this Ordinance, with the deviations 
following from Sections 2 to 4 and 9 and 10 shall apply correspondingly in relation to 
countries that have acceded to the Agreement on the World Trade Organization (WTO), 
including the agreement on trade related intellectual property rights (TRIPS). 
(2) The provisions of Sections 12 and 13 shall with the deviations contained 
in those provisions apply correspondingly in relation to countries that have acceded to the 
agreement on the World Trade Organization (WTO), including the agreement on trade 
related intellectual property rights (TRIPS). The provisions of Section 65(2), Section Ministry o/Culture Translation IP/N/I/DNK/C/l 
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April /996 
66(1), and Section 68 shall, however, concerning public performance of recordings apply 
only in relation to the countries mentioned in Section 12(1). 
Special Provisions on Payment of Remuneration in accordance 
with Sections 39 to 46 of the Copyright Act on Remuneration 
for Reproduction for Private Use 
Section 18. The provisions on payment of remuneration in Sections 39 to 46 of the 
Copyright Act shall apply to 
(i) works and photographic pictures made by persons who are nationals 
of or have their habitual residence in a country within the European 
Economic Area; 
(ii) works and photographic pictures made by other persons who are 
nationals of or have their habitual residence in other countries provided that 
in the country in question a remuneration scheme has been implemented for 
blank tapes which provides a possibility for payment of remuneration to 
Danish rightholders; 
(iii) cinematographic works by a maker of which has his headquarters or 
his habitual residence in a country within the European Economic Area; 
(iv) cinematographic works by a maker of which has his headquarters or 
his habitual residence is in other countries provided that in the country in 
question a remuneration scheme has been implemented for blank tapes 
which provides a possibility for payment of remuneration to Danish 
rightholders; and 
(v) works of art and photographic pictures incorporated in buildings or 
structures in a country within the European Economic Area. 
(2) The provisions of subsection (1 )(ii) and (iv) shall not apply when the 
term of protection for the work has expired in the country of origin. IP/N/1/DNK/C/l 
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Ministry of Culture Translation April 1996 
Section 19. The provisions of Sections 65 and 66, cf Sections 39 to 46 of the 
Copyright Act concerning payment of remuneration shall apply to 
(i) performances and sound recordings taking place in countries within 
the European Economic Area; and 
(ii) performances and sound recordings taking place in other countries 
provided that in the country in question a remuneration scheme has been 
implemented for blank tapes which provides a possibility for payment of 
remuneration to Danish rightholders. 
(2) The provision of subsection (1 )(ii) shall not apply when the term of 
protection for the performance or the sound recording has expired in the country in which 
the performance or the sound recording took place. 
Coming into Force, etc. 
Section 20. This Ordinance shall come into force the day following its publication in 
"Lovtidende" . 
(2) The provisions of Sections 1 to 16 of this Ordinance shall take effect on 
1 July 1995. 
(3) The provisions of Sections 17 to 19 of this Ordinance shall take effect on 
1 January 1996. 
(4) Ordinance No. 452 of 18 June 1990 on the Application of the Copyright 
Act and the Photography Act with Respect to Other Countries, etc., shall be revoked. 