Faced with the latest international sanctions, implemented after Alexander Lukashenko’s support for Russia, Belarus is now betting on “soft power”. A new law, signed on January 3, legalizes the piracy of digital works and their import even if they are protected by Intellectual Property Law and without the prior authorization of the rights holders.
A first part of the law authorizes the piracy of films, music, television programs or even software of “foreign states that commit hostile actions against Belarusian legal and/or natural persons”, Is it established in the law?. This is presented as a solution for “the development of the intellectual, spiritual and moral potential of society”, in the face of international sanctions decided by the United States, the European Union or the United Kingdom.
A second part of the law restricts intellectual property rights to ensure legal access to these pirated movies, music, TV shows and software. Therefore, the importation of these works is authorized, without the green light of the rights holders.
Belarus also seeks to make money from this process. Some kind of royalty must be paid for the use or consumption of these digital works. The Belarusian Patent Authority will keep this money for three years.
This law will enter into force on January 15 for a period of two years, therefore at least until December 31, 2024.
Source: BFM TV
