South Africa

Date of entry into force of basic text: see sub-title and Section 47 for further details.

The WTO notification states:
"This Act regulates copyright. It protects the following works: literary works, musical works, artistic works, cinematograph film works, sound recordings, broadcasts, programme-carrying signals, published editions and computer programs. The duration of copyright in the above-mentioned works is not less than 50 years."

"This Act is in the process of amendment in order to ensure compliance with provisions of the TRIPS Agreement. Said amendments are aimed at:

(1) Certain extensions to the scope of copyright in computer programs;

(2) Adjustment of the term copyright in cinematographic films;

(3) Adjustment of the Act to keep abreast with advances in technology and the increased usage of electronic and digital storage of information or signals;

(4) Changing the definitions of "cinematograph film", "record" and "sound recording" and the requirement that a work must exist in a material form in order to qualify for copyright;

(5) Amending the provisions of the Act relating to damages and other compensation due to a copyright owner pursuant to infringement in order to bring the Copyright Act in conformity with corresponding provisions of the Designs Act, No. 195 of 1993 and the Trademarks Act, No. 194 of 1993."

Note that amendment procedure has been completed as expressed in the amendment law hyperlinked above.