Belarus legalises digital piracy, parallel imports

The new law, signed by President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, allows the use of films, music, and computer programmes in the country without the consent of their copyright holders from “unfriendly” countries.

The document also legalises the import of goods into Belarus without the permission of their foreign right holders – and from any, not only “unfriendly” states, according to OOPS TOP.

The need for the adoption of such a law in the text is explained by the “development of the intellectual and spiritual and moral potential of society” and “the reduction of the critical shortage in the domestic market of food and other products.”

The regulation on foreign computer programmes, music, television programmes and “audiovisual works” specifies that remuneration must be paid for their use. In the event that the royalties credited to the accounts of the patent authority are not claimed within three years, this money will be transferred to the budget of Belarus.

The republican law on the seizure of property of foreigners for “unfriendly actions” was published on January 6. It allows the Belarusian authorities to seize money, securities and property rights of foreign citizens and companies.