Copyright Act (Chosakukenhō)
The Copyright Act (Chosakukenhō) governs copyright and related rights in Japan. Enacted in 1970, the Act provides protection for original literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works, as well as phonograms, broadcasts, and performances. The Act has been extensively amended to implement international treaties including the WIPO Copyright Treaty and to address digital technology. Copyright protection generally lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years.
Legal area: Law governing patents, copyrights, trademarks, and other intellectual creations.
Year enacted: 1970
Full text: https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/document?lawid=japan-copyright-act
Key Provisions
- Chapter I: General provisions (definitions, protected works)
- Chapter II: Authors’ rights (moral and economic rights)
- Chapter III: Copyright (scope, limitation, duration)
- Chapter IV: Neighbouring rights (performers, phonogram producers)
- Chapter V: Registration and formalities
- Chapter VI: Limitations and exceptions (private use, quotation)
- Chapter VII: Infringement and remedies
Significance
The Copyright Act has been amended repeatedly to keep pace with technological change. The 2020 amendments introduced exceptions for text and data mining, and strengthened protection for online content. Japan’s copyright term was extended to life plus 70 years through the CPTPP implementation. The Act’s exceptions for private use and quotation have been subject to extensive judicial interpretation. The Act balances the interests of copyright holders with the needs of users, including provisions for library use and educational purposes.