Ettertrykk

Ettertrykk is a Norwegian term that translates to "imprint" or "trace" and is most commonly encountered in the context of copyright law. It refers to the unauthorized reproduction or publication of a copyrighted work. This includes making copies of a book, song, photograph, or any other creative expression without the permission of the copyright holder. The concept of ettertrykk is central to protecting the rights of creators and ensuring they have control over how their work is distributed and used.

In Norway, the Copyright Act (Åndsverkloven) defines and prohibits ettertrykk. It establishes that the creator of an original work has exclusive rights to reproduce and distribute it. Any act of ettertrykk without proper authorization constitutes a violation of these rights. This can lead to legal consequences, including financial penalties and injunctions. The purpose of prohibiting ettertrykk is to encourage creativity by allowing authors and artists to benefit from their labor and to prevent the economic exploitation of their intellectual property.

The concept of ettertrykk also extends to adaptations and translations. Creating a derivative work based on an existing copyrighted material without permission can also be considered a form of unauthorized reproduction. While the specifics of what constitutes ettertrykk can be complex and subject to interpretation in legal cases, the core principle remains the protection of original works from unauthorized copying and distribution. Fair use or exceptions to copyright, as recognized in some legal systems, may also be considered when evaluating whether a particular act constitutes prohibited ettertrykk in Norway.