Moralrettighetene

Moralrettighetene, often translated as moral rights, are a concept in copyright law that grants creators certain inalienable rights over their work, independent of their economic rights. These rights are distinct from the right to authorize or prohibit the reproduction, distribution, or adaptation of a work. The core moral rights typically include the right of attribution and the right of integrity.

The right of attribution, also known as the right of paternity, allows the creator to claim authorship of their work and to have their name associated with it. Conversely, it can also include the right to remain anonymous or use a pseudonym. The right of integrity protects the work from any distortion, mutilation, or other modification that could prejudice the creator's honor or reputation. This means that even if the economic rights to a work have been transferred, the original creator may still have a say in how the work is used or altered.

The recognition and scope of moral rights vary significantly across different legal jurisdictions. Many civil law countries have historically recognized strong moral rights, while common law countries have sometimes been more hesitant, often incorporating them into specific statutory provisions or contractual agreements. International treaties, such as the Berne Convention, provide a framework for the protection of moral rights, obliging member states to ensure adequate protection for authors. The underlying principle is to protect the personal connection between an author and their creation.