Höfundalagalögin

Höfundalagalögin, or the Copyright Act, is the primary legislation governing copyright in Iceland. This law establishes the rights of creators over their original works of authorship, including literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic creations. The act aims to protect the intellectual property of authors and to encourage the creation and dissemination of creative works.

The law defines what constitutes a copyrightable work and outlines the exclusive rights granted to copyright holders. These rights typically include the right to reproduce, distribute, perform, and display the work. The duration of copyright protection is also specified, generally extending for a certain number of years after the author's death.

Höfundalagalögin also addresses exceptions and limitations to copyright, such as provisions for private copying, educational use, and parody. It lays out the legal framework for licensing and assignment of copyright, as well as the remedies available in cases of copyright infringement. The act is periodically updated to align with international copyright treaties and to address the evolving digital landscape. Enforcement of these rights is overseen by Icelandic courts.