| Protection of the tangible expressions of creative | | | | In case of Burundi folklore, the national authority holds |
| work is what copyright laws aim at. The same applies | | | | the copyright to these. This category encompasses all |
| to the legal dictates adhered to in Burundi. If you are | | | | literary, artistic and scientific works by nationals inside |
| the author (sole/joint/collective/co), you enjoy certain | | | | the boundaries of the nation and passed from one |
| rights over the creation. This right incorporates | | | | generation to the next. |
| elements of intellectual and moral nature as well as | | | | In case of a translation or adaptation, the Decree Law |
| economic character. | | | | of Burundi provides copyright protection to the |
| What is within the scope of the Decree Law? All kinds | | | | author(s), without any prejudice to the original work's |
| and forms of intellectual work are within the protection. | | | | author. Collections, new arrangements and such others |
| This includes, but is not limited to, | | | | are also within this category. |
| • Writings like books, pamphlets, etc | | | | In case of a joint authorship, where more than one |
| • Sermons, lectures, court pleadings, etc | | | | contributes to the creation of the work, it is a joint |
| • Written pantomimes and choreographic | | | | property. Therefore, the copyright protection is |
| works | | | | available for all involved. If there is dispute regarding the |
| • Dramatic works/Musical compositions | | | | exercise of these rights, the civil court decides. |
| • Cinematographic works | | | | In case of a composite work, i.e. where a new work |
| • Photographic works | | | | incorporates a pre-existing one, the author of the new |
| • Drawings/Sculptures/Paintings | | | | work enjoys copyright protection. However, this is |
| Whether you want an official copyright for your work | | | | subject to the rights of the pre-existing work's author. |
| or want to stop unauthorized use of it, you require help | | | | In case of a collective work, i.e. one edits, publishes and |
| from a copyright lawyer practicing in Burundi. However, | | | | discloses the works of different authors in a single |
| before you consult with a lawyer, here is a brief | | | | work; the one who discloses it under his/her name |
| overview of the matter pertaining to writings. | | | | enjoys the right. |
| In case the publication is under a pseudonym, the | | | | Whichever form the creation is in; you need to ensure |
| author enjoys the rights to the intellectual property | | | | its protection from unauthorized copy or use. This |
| similar to those who publish in their own name. The | | | | becomes easy with the help of a Burundi copyright |
| original publisher is to represent the author until he/she | | | | lawyer. You can also avail legal help if there is an |
| reveals his/her identity. | | | | infringement of this right. |