Peru looks to increase copyright sanctions

By Espinosa Bellido Abogados

In line with its functions related to intellectual property, the National Institute for the Defense of Free Competition and the Protection of Intellectual Property (Indecopi) of Peru has proposed changes in the sanctioning procedures of copyright infringement, in order to strengthen its supervisory capacity and prevent future infringements that may affect Peruvian creators.

The most substantial change would occur in the increase of the economic fees for infringements. Currently, the regulation states that in case of copyright infringement the offender must pay a maximum of USD 230.000 (180 UIT), while Indecopi's proposes increase such total up to USD 574.000 (450 UIT). 

In Peru copyright is recognised for original works in the literary and artistic fields, whatever their kind, manner of expression, merit or purpose. Copyright protection starts from the moment the work is created.