Copyright Law Amendments

The National Library Department (NLD) in Jordan announced on March 21, 2005 that it has completed the amendments to the Jordanian copyright law and is now awaiting the issuance of the Royal Decree of approval. The new law protects computer programs and classifies them as literary works. It also protects performers, who can now protect their live performances. Also under this new law, the Minister of Culture can protect Jordanian culture and heritage from degradation and can take legal action against anyone who intends to do so. Although registration is not necessary for protection, the director general of NLD has encouraged Jordanian authors to register their work as it confers recognition from an official body that guarantees the rights.