Copyright Act 2021

• Act Code: CA2021
• Edition: 2020 Rev Ed
• Commencement: 20 Nov 2021
• Version as at: 3 Jul 2026
• Enacted by: Parliament

Section 1 — Short title and commencement

(1) This Act is the Copyright Act 2021.(2) Division 2 of Part 9 and sections 501(2) and (3) and 507(4)(c) and (10) come into operation on a date that the Minister appoints by notification in the Gazette. —(1) This Act is the Copyright Act 2

Section 2 — Application to things existing before 21 November 2021

Unless it expressly provides otherwise, this Act applies to a thing existing on 21 November 2021 as it applies to a thing coming into existence after that date.

Section 3 — Extension of Act to reciprocating countries

(1) Subject to subsection (2), regulations may prescribe that —(a) a country is a reciprocating country; and (b) this Act is extended so as to apply in relation to the country or its nationals —(i) generally or for specified classes of case

Section 4 — Exclusion of non‑reciprocating countries from Act

(1) Subject to subsection (2), regulations may prescribe that —(a) a country is a non‑reciprocating country; and (b) either —(i) this Act does not apply in relation to the country or its nationals, whether generally or for specified classes

Section 5 — Saving for other laws

(1) Unless it expressly provides otherwise, this Act does not affect any right or privilege of any person (including the Government) under any other written law.(2) This Act does not affect the operation of the law relating to breaches of t

Section 6 — Act binds Government

(1) Unless it expressly provides otherwise, this Act binds the Government.(2) The Government is not liable to be prosecuted for an offence under this Act. —(1) Unless it expressly provides otherwise, this Act binds the Government. (2) The G

Section 7 — General interpretation

(1) In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires —“1911 Act” means the Copyright Act 1911 of the United Kingdom (U.K. 1911, c. 46) insofar as that Act has effect as part of the law of Singapore; “1987 Act” means the Copyright Act (Cap

Section 8 — What is a work

A “work” is —(a) an authorial work; (b) a published edition of an authorial work; (c) a sound recording; (d) a film; (e) a broadcast; or (f) a cable programme.

Section 9 — What is an authorial work

An “authorial work” is a literary, dramatic, musical or an artistic work.

Section 10 — What is a work of joint authorship

An authorial work is a “work of joint authorship” if —(a) it is produced by the collaboration of 2 or more authors; and (b) the contributions of the authors are not separate.

Section 11 — Reference to author includes all joint authors

Unless expressly provided otherwise, a reference in this Act to the author of an authorial work is, in relation to a work of joint authorship, a reference to all the authors of the work.

Section 12 — What is an authorial work with an identified author

(1) An authorial work has an identified author if —(a) the identity of the author is generally known or can reasonably be ascertained; or (b) in the case of a work of joint authorship — the identity of at least one of the authors is general

Section 13 — Literary work includes computer program and compilation

(1) A “literary work” includes —(a) a compilation in any form; and (b) a computer program. (2) A “compilation” is a compilation or table —(a) consisting —(i) wholly or partly of the following material:(A) an authorial work, including a comp

Section 14 — Subject matter of copyright in compilations

To avoid doubt, any copyright in a compilation —(a) is limited to the selection or arrangement of its contents that constitutes an intellectual creation; and (b) is in addition to, and independent of, any copyright in its contents and any o

Section 15 — What does a dramatic work include

(1) Subject to subsection (2), a “dramatic work” includes —(a) a work of dance or mime; and (b) a scenario or script for a film, but not a film. (2) A work of dance or mime made before 21 November 2021 is not a dramatic work unless it is de

Section 16 — When is a literary, dramatic or musical work made

(1) A literary, dramatic or musical work is made at the time when, or over the period during which, the work is first fixed in a material form, including —(a) in writing; or (b) by storage —(i) in a computer; (ii) on any medium by electroni

Section 17 — What is an adaptation of a literary or dramatic work

An “adaptation” of a literary work is —(a) in relation to a literary work in a non‑dramatic form — a version of the work (whether in its original language or in a different language) in a dramatic form; (b) in relation to a literary work in

Section 18 — What is an adaptation of a musical work

An “adaptation” of a musical work is an arrangement or a transcription of the work.

Section 19 — Adaptation of literary, dramatic or musical work includes adaptation of substantial part thereof

An adaptation of a substantial part of a literary, dramatic or musical work is to be treated as an adaptation of the work.

Section 20 — What is an artistic work

(1) An “artistic work” —(a) is any of the following:(i) a painting, a sculpture, a drawing, an engraving or a photograph (whether the work is of artistic quality or not); (ii) a building or a model of a building (whether the building or mod

Section 21 — What is a sound recording

A “sound recording” is the sounds embodied in a record, but does not include the sounds of a film.

Section 22 — When is a sound recording made

A sound recording is made when the first record embodying the sounds is produced.

Section 23 — Who is the maker of a sound recording

The maker of a sound recording is the person who owns the first record embodying the sounds when the recording is produced.

Section 24 — What is a film; what are the visual images, sounds and soundtrack of a film

(1) A “film” —(a) is all the visual images embodied in a thing in a way that —(i) the images can be shown as a moving picture by using that thing; or (ii) that thing can be used to embody the images in another thing, and the images can be s

Section 25 — What is the making of a film

The making of a film is the doing of the things needed to produce the first copy of the film.

Section 26 — Who is the maker of a film

The maker of a film is the person who undertakes the arrangements needed to make the film.

Section 27 — What does it mean to broadcast (verb)

To “broadcast” means to broadcast by wireless telegraphy.

Section 28 — What is a broadcast (noun)

A “broadcast” is a television or sound broadcast.

Section 29 — What is a television broadcast

A “television broadcast” is the visual images that are broadcast by way of television, together with any sounds broadcast for reception along with those images.

Section 30 — What is a sound broadcast

A “sound broadcast” is any sounds broadcast except as part of a television broadcast.

Section 31 — Who is the maker of a broadcast

The maker of a broadcast is —(a) the person who broadcasts the relevant visual images or sounds (or both); and (b) in the case of direct broadcasting by satellite — the person who transmits the relevant visual images or sounds (or both) to

Section 32 — Where is a broadcast made

A broadcast is made at —(a) the place from which the relevant visual images or sounds (or both) are broadcast; and (b) in the case of direct broadcasting by satellite — the place from which the relevant visual images or sounds (or both) are

Section 33 — When is a broadcast made

A broadcast is made at —(a) the time when the relevant visual images or sounds (or both) are broadcast; and (b) in the case of direct broadcasting by satellite — the time when the relevant visual images or sounds (or both) are transmitted t

Section 34 — What is a cable programme

A “cable programme” is a programme (including any item) that is included in a cable programme service.

Section 35 — What is a cable programme service

(1) A “cable programme service” —(a) is a service that consists wholly or mainly of the sending of visual images or sounds (or both) by any person —(i) by means of a telecommunication system (whether run by that person or any other person);

Section 36 — What is inclusion in a cable programme service

A programme is included in a cable programme service only if it is included in the service by the person providing the service.

Section 37 — What is a qualifying performance

(1) A “qualifying performance” is —(a) any of the following performances:(i) a performance (including an improvisation and a performance that uses puppets) of a dramatic work or part of the dramatic work; (ii) a performance (including an im

Section 38 — What is a recording of a protected performance

(1) A “recording”, in relation to a protected performance, means a sound recording of the performance or a substantial part of the performance, and includes a copy of such a recording.(2) To avoid doubt, Subdivision (6) applies to recording

Section 39 — Act done in relation to work, etc., includes act done in relation to substantial part thereof

(1) Doing an act in relation to a substantial part of a work is to be treated as doing an act in relation to the work.(2) This section does not affect the interpretation of any reference in sections 110 and 145 to the publication, or absenc

Section 40 — Act done in relation to protected performance, etc., includes act done in relation to substantial part thereof

(1) Doing an act in relation to a substantial part of a protected performance is to be treated as doing an act in relation to the performance.(2) Doing an act in relation to a recording of a substantial part of a protected performance is to

Section 41 — What is a copy of an authorial work

(1) A “copy” of an authorial work is a reproduction of the work in any material form.(2) Without limiting subsection (1), an authorial work is reproduced in a material form if —(a) it is stored —(i) in a computer; (ii) on any medium by elec

Section 42 — What is a copy of a published edition of an authorial work

A “copy” of a published edition of an authorial work is a reproduction of the edition (whether made by a photographic process or otherwise) in any material form.

Section 43 — What is a reasonable portion when copying a published edition of a literary, dramatic or musical work

(1) In the following cases, a copy of a literary, dramatic or musical work contained in a published edition of the work is taken to contain only a reasonable portion of the work for the purposes of this Act:(a) where the edition has 10 or m

Section 44 — What is a copy of a sound recording

A “copy” of a sound recording is a record —(a) embodying a sound recording or a substantial part of a sound recording; and (b) derived, directly or indirectly, from a record produced upon the making of a sound recording.

Section 45 — What is a copy of a film

A “copy” of a film is any article or thing in which the visual images or sounds comprising the film are embodied.

Section 46 — What is a copy of a television broadcast

(1) A “copy” of a television broadcast is —(a) insofar as the broadcast consists of visual images — a film of the broadcast, and includes a copy of such a film; and (b) insofar as the broadcast consists of sounds — a sound recording of the

Section 47 — What is a copy of a sound broadcast

A “copy” of a sound broadcast is a sound recording of the broadcast, and includes a copy of such a recording.

Section 48 — What is a copy of a cable programme

(1) A “copy” of a cable programme is —(a) insofar as the programme consists of visual images — a film of the programme, and includes a copy of such a film; and (b) insofar as the programme consists of sounds — a sound recording of the progr

Section 49 — Copy of work includes copy of substantial part

A copy of a substantial part of a work is to be treated as a copy of the work.

Section 50 — Copy of work includes temporary or incidental copy

(1) Making a copy of a work that is temporary or is incidental to some other use of the work is to be treated as making a copy of the work.(2) To avoid doubt, this section applies in relation to an adaptation of a literary, dramatic or musi

Section 51 — What is a copy of a recording of a protected performance

A “copy” of a recording of a protected performance is a record —(a) embodying a recording of the performance or a substantial part of the performance; and (b) derived, directly or indirectly, from a record produced upon the making of a reco

Section 52 — Copy of recording of protected performance work includes temporary or incidental copy

Making a copy of a recording of a protected performance that is temporary or is incidental to some other use of the recording is to be treated as making a copy of the recording.

Section 53 — What constitutes publication of an authorial work

(1) Subject to subsection (2) and sections 58, 59 and 60, an authorial work is published only if copies of the work (or of an edition of the work) have been supplied to the public (whether by sale, over the Internet, or otherwise).(2) The f

Section 54 — What constitutes publication of an edition of an authorial work

(1) Subject to sections 58, 59 and 60, an edition of an authorial work is published only if copies of the edition have been supplied to the public (whether by sale, over the Internet, or otherwise).(2) Section 39 does not apply to subsectio

Section 55 — What constitutes publication of a sound recording

Subject to sections 58, 59 and 60, a sound recording is published only if copies of the recording or a part of the recording have been supplied to the public (whether by sale, over the Internet, or otherwise).

Section 56 — What constitutes publication of a film

Subject to sections 58, 59 and 60, a film is published only if copies of the film have been supplied to the public (whether by sale, over the Internet, or otherwise).

Section 57 — What constitutes publication of a recording of a protected performance

Subject to sections 58, 59 and 60, a recording of a protected performance is published only if copies of the recording or a part of the recording have been supplied to the public (whether by sale, over the Internet, or otherwise).

Section 58 — Matters to be considered or ignored for publication, first publication, and publication before death

(1) In this section, “relevant material” means —(a) an authorial work; (b) an edition of an authorial work; (c) a sound recording; (d) a film; or (e) a recording of a protected performance. (2) If a publication of a relevant material is mer

Section 59 — Effect of acts done before 21 November 2021

(1) Sections 53, 54, 55, 56, 57 and 58 do not apply for the purposes of deciding —(a) whether a work has been published by virtue of an act done before 21 November 2021; (b) whether a publication of a work before 21 November 2021 is the fir

Section 60 — Specific acts that do not constitute publication

(1) The following provisions provide that certain acts in certain circumstances are not to be treated as publication:(a) section 223(4) (publicising public exhibitions); (b) section 225(3) (making public collection available on internal net

Section 61 — What does communicate mean

(1) “Communicate”, in relation to a work or performance, means to transmit the work or performance by electronic means, and includes —(a) broadcasting the work or performance; (b) the inclusion of the work or performance in a cable programm

Section 62 — What does accessibility on demand mean

A person may access a thing “on demand” if the person may access the thing from a place and at a time chosen by the person.

Section 63 — Who is the maker of a communication

The maker of a communication (other than a broadcast) is the person responsible for deciding the content of the communication when the communication is made.

Section 64 — What is doing an act by the reception of a broadcast

(1) To do an act by the reception of a broadcast is to do that act by receiving a broadcast from —(a) the transmission by which the broadcast is made; or (b) a transmission that is —(i) made otherwise than by broadcasting; and (ii) made sim

Section 65 — What is a re‑transmission of a broadcast

(1) “Re‑transmission”, in relation to a broadcast, means a re‑transmission of the broadcast without altering its contents.(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), it does not matter —(a) whether the re‑transmission is simultaneous with the o

Section 66 — When is a copy of a sound recording or a film used in a broadcast

(1) This section applies where —(a) a copy of a sound recording or a film is used for the purpose of making a broadcast (called in this section the primary broadcast); and (b) a person makes a further broadcast (called in this section the s

Section 67 — What does a performance of an authorial work include

(1) A “performance” of an authorial work —(a) includes —(i) any mode of visual or aural presentation of the authorial work, whether the presentation is by —(A) the use of any receiving apparatus; (B) the exhibition of a film; (C) the use of

Section 68 — Performance by operating receiving apparatus

(1) This section applies where —(a) any device or equipment is operated to communicate, directly or indirectly, visual images or sounds to a receiving apparatus; and (b) those images are displayed, or those sounds are emitted, by the receiv

Section 69 — Performance by operating apparatus for reproducing sounds

(1) This section applies where —(a) an authorial work is performed by operating any apparatus for reproducing sounds by using a record; and (b) the apparatus is provided by or with the consent of the occupier of the premises where the appar

Section 70 — Communication not included

The communication of a work to the public is not to be treated as causing visual images to be seen or sounds to be heard.

Section 71 — Causing by operating receiving apparatus

(1) This section applies where —(a) any device or equipment is operated to communicate, directly or indirectly, visual images or sounds to a receiving apparatus; and (b) those images are displayed, or those sounds are emitted, by a receivin

Section 72 — Causing by operating apparatus for reproducing sounds

(1) This section applies where —(a) sounds are caused to be heard by operating any apparatus for reproducing sounds by using a record; and (b) the apparatus is provided by or with the consent of the occupier of the premises where the appara

Section 73 — What is a commercial dealing in a thing

(1) A person deals commercially in a thing if the person —(a) sells the thing; (b) lets the thing for hire; (c) by way of trade, offers or exposes the thing for sale or hire; (d) distributes the thing for the purpose of trade; or (e) by way

Section 74 — What does it mean to do an act for commercial advantage

A person does an act to obtain a “commercial advantage” if and only if the act is done to obtain a direct advantage, direct benefit or direct financial gain for a business or trade carried on by the person.

Section 75 — What is a commercial rental arrangement relating to a computer program or sound recording

(1) Subject to subsection (2), a “commercial rental arrangement”, in relation to a computer program or sound recording, is an arrangement with the following features:(a) under the arrangement, a copy of the program or recording is made avai

Section 76 — Who is a paying audience for a television broadcast or cable programme

(1) A person (X) is a “paying audience” in relation to a television broadcast or cable programme if —(a) subject to subsection (2), X pays to be admitted to —(i) a place where the broadcast or programme is to be seen or heard; or (ii) a pla

Section 77 — Who is a qualified individual

An individual is a “qualified individual” if he or she is —(a) a Singapore citizen; (b) a Singapore resident; or (c) an individual who, if he or she had been alive on 1 November 1957, would have qualified for Singapore citizenship under the

Section 78 — Who is a qualified person

A person is a “qualified person” if the person is —(a) a qualified individual; or (b) a body corporate incorporated in Singapore under any written law.

Section 79 — Who is a Singapore resident

An individual is a “Singapore resident” if he or she is —(a) resident in Singapore; or (b) residing in Singapore under a valid pass lawfully issued to him or her under the Immigration Act 1959 to enter and remain in Singapore for any purpos

Section 80 — Country of residence not affected by temporary absence

A person who, at a given period of time, is ordinarily resident in a country (including Singapore) but is temporarily absent from that country at any time during that period is to be treated as if he or she is resident in that country throu

Section 81 — What is a prescribed international organisation

(1) Regulations may prescribe international organisations for the purposes of this Act.(2) A “prescribed international organisation” is an international organisation prescribed under subsection (1) and includes —(a) an organ of, or office w

Section 82 — Legal capacity of prescribed international organisation

(1) A prescribed international organisation has, and is deemed to have had at all material times, the legal capacity of a body corporate for the purposes of —(a) holding, dealing with and enforcing copyright; and (b) all legal proceedings r

Section 83 — What is an educational institution

An “educational institution” is any of the following institutions or undertakings, but only if they are non‑profit:(a) an institution at which education is provided to children under 7 years of age; (b) a school or similar institution at wh

Section 84 — What is the body administering an educational institution

The “body administering an educational institution” is —(a) if the institution is a body corporate — the institution; or (b) in any other case — the body or person (including the Government) having ultimate responsibility for administering

Section 85 — Who is a person with a print disability

A person is a “person with a print disability” if he or she —(a) is blind; (b) has severely impaired sight; (c) is unable to hold or manipulate books; (d) is unable to focus or move his or her eyes; or (e) has a perceptual handicap.

Section 86 — What is an institution aiding persons with print disabilities

An “institution aiding persons with print disabilities” is an institution —(a) whose main functions include providing relevant material to persons with print disabilities; (b) that is formed, incorporated or established in Singapore; and (c

Section 87 — What is the body administering an institution aiding persons with print disabilities

The “body administering an institution aiding persons with print disabilities” is —(a) in a case where the institution is a body corporate — the institution; or (b) in any other case — the body or person (including the Government) having ul

Section 88 — What is a foreign institution aiding persons with print disabilities

A “foreign institution aiding persons with print disabilities” is an institution —(a) whose main functions include providing relevant materials to persons with print disabilities; and (b) that is formed, incorporated or established outside

Section 89 — What is an institution aiding persons with intellectual disabilities

An “institution aiding persons with intellectual disabilities” is any educational institution or non‑profit organisation —(a) whose main functions include aiding persons with intellectual disabilities; and (b) that is prescribed as an insti

Section 90 — What is the body administering an institution aiding persons with intellectual disabilities

The “body administering an institution aiding persons with intellectual disabilities” is —(a) in a case where the institution is a body corporate — the institution; or (b) in any other case — the body or person (including the Government) ha

Section 91 — What is a public collection

A “public collection” is —(a) the National Archives; (b) the collections of the National Heritage Board prescribed to be public collections by the Minister charged with the responsibility for the Board; (c) the permanent collection of a lib

Section 92 — What is an archive

An “archive” is any collection of materials (including documents and objects) of historical significance or public interest that is —(a) in the permanent custody of a corporate or an unincorporated body; (b) maintained by that body for the

Section 93 — What is the custodian of a public collection

A “custodian” is —(a) in relation to the National Archives — the National Library Board; (b) in relation to the prescribed collections of the National Heritage Board — the National Heritage Board or a body prescribed by the Minister charged

Section 94 — Who is an authorised officer of a public collection

An “authorised officer”, in relation to a public collection, means an authorised officer of the custodian of the public collection.

Section 95 — When is a library run for profit

A library is not taken to be for‑profit just because it is owned by a person carrying on business for profit.

Section 96 — Who is a rights owner

A “rights owner” is —(a) in relation to a copyright work — the owner of the copyright; and (b) in relation to a protected performance — the person who is entitled to bring an action for an infringing use of the performance.

Section 97 — What is a rights infringement

A “rights infringement” is —(a) an infringement of copyright; or (b) an infringing use of a protected performance.

Section 98 — What is an infringing copy of a copyright work or protected performance

(1) An “infringing copy” —(a) in relation to a copyright work, is a copy of the work that is —(i) made in Singapore on or after 21 November 2021 in circumstances that constitute an infringement of copyright in the work under this Act; (ii)

Section 99 — What is a flagrantly infringing online location

(1) A “flagrantly infringing online location” is an online location that has been or is being used to flagrantly commit or facilitate rights infringements.(2) In deciding whether an online location is a flagrantly infringing online location

Section 100 — What are acts comprised in a copyright

An act comprised in a copyright is any act that, under this Act, the owner of the copyright has the exclusive right to do.

Section 101 — What does it mean to do an act with or without the licence of copyright owner

An act is done with or without the licence of a copyright owner if it is done or not done under a licence that is binding on the copyright owner.

Section 102 — If there are 2 or more copyright owners for a work, which owner is relevant

(1) This section applies where (whether because of an assignment limited in accordance with section 139 or otherwise) there are 2 or more different persons who are owners (or prospective owners) of a copyright in respect of its application

Section 103 — What is an exclusive licence

(1) An “exclusive licence”, in relation to a copyright, is a licence —(a) granted by the owner or prospective owner of the copyright; and (b) authorising the licensee, to the exclusion of any other person, to do an act that, by virtue of th

Section 104 — If there are 2 or more rights owners for a protected performance, whose authority is relevant

If a performance has 2 or more rights owners —(a) a reference in this Act to the doing of an act in relation to the performance (or a recording of the performance) with the rights owner’s authority is a reference to the doing of the act wit

Section 105 — When is a visual image or sound embodied in an article or a thing

A visual image or sound is embodied in an article or a thing if the article or thing has been treated so that the visual image or sound can be reproduced from the article or thing, either with or without the aid of a separate device.

Section 106 — Copyright subsists only by virtue of this Act

Subject to section 5(1), copyright subsists only by virtue of this Act.

Section 107 — Copyrights to subsist independently

(1) The subsistence or otherwise of copyright under any provision of this Part does not affect the subsistence or otherwise of copyright under any other provision of this Part.(2) Without limiting subsection (1), the subsistence or otherwis

Section 108 — Nature of copyright

(1) Where a copyright owner has the exclusive right to do an act —(a) the right is a right to exclude others from doing that act (or authorising the doing of that act) without the authorisation of the copyright owner; and (b) it is declared

Section 109 — Conditions for copyright to subsist in unpublished authorial works

(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, copyright subsists in an unpublished authorial work if —(a) the work is original; and (b) one of the following applies:(i) the author is a qualified individual when the work is made; (ii) if the wo

Section 110 — Conditions for copyright to subsist in published authorial works

(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, where an authorial work is published and copyright subsists in the work immediately before its first publication by virtue of section 109 —(a) copyright continues to subsist in the work if and only

Section 111 — Conditions for copyright to subsist in buildings

(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, copyright subsists in an original artistic work —(a) that is a building in Singapore; or (b) that is attached to, or part of, a building in Singapore. (2) This section does not apply to or in relat

Section 112 — Nature of copyright in literary, dramatic and musical works

(1) For the purposes of this Act, unless the contrary intention appears, copyright in a literary, dramatic or musical work is the exclusive right to do all or any of the following acts:(a) to make a copy of the work; (b) to publish the work

Section 113 — Nature of copyright in artistic works

For the purposes of this Act, unless the contrary intention appears, copyright in an artistic work is the exclusive right to do all or any of the following acts:(a) to make a copy of the work; (b) to publish the work if it is unpublished; (

Section 114 — Duration of copyright in authorial works

(1) Where an authorial work is first published within 50 years after the end of the year in which the work is made, any copyright in the work expires —(a) if the author is identified within 70 years after the end of the year in which the wo

Section 115 — Duration of copyright in authorial works — transitional provision for certain works published before 31 December 2022

(1) Despite section 114, any copyright in an authorial work expires 70 years after the end of the year in which the work is first made available to the public if —(a) the work is a literary, dramatic or musical work or an engraving; (b) the

Section 116 — Interpretation of sections 114 and 115 — making available to public; application to works of joint authorship

(1) This section applies for the purposes of sections 114 and 115.(2) Subject to subsection (3), an authorial work is made available to the public in the following circumstances (but without limiting the expression “made available to the pu

Section 117 — Conditions for copyright to subsist in published editions of authorial works

(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, copyright subsists in a published edition of an authorial work if —(a) the person who first published the edition is a qualified person at the date when the edition is first published; or (b) the e

Section 118 — Nature of copyright in published editions of authorial works

For the purposes of this Act, unless the contrary intention appears, copyright in a published edition of an authorial work is the exclusive right to make a copy of that edition.

Section 119 — Duration of copyright in published editions of authorial works

Any copyright in a published edition of an authorial work expires 25 years after the end of the year in which the edition is first published.

Section 120 — Conditions for copyright to subsist in sound recordings

Subject to the provisions of this Act, copyright subsists in a sound recording if —(a) the maker of the recording is a qualified person when the recording is made; or (b) the recording is made or first published —(i) in Singapore; (ii) by o

Section 121 — Nature of copyright in sound recordings

For the purposes of this Act, unless the contrary intention appears, copyright in a sound recording is —(a) the exclusive right to do all or any of the following acts:(i) to make a copy of the recording; (ii) to enter into a commercial rent

Section 122 — Duration of copyright in sound recordings

(1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), any copyright in a sound recording expires —(a) if the recording is first published within 50 years after the end of the year in which the recording is made — 70 years after the end of the year in whi

Section 123 — Conditions for copyright to subsist in films

(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, copyright subsists in a film if —(a) the maker of the film is a qualified person for the whole or a substantial part of the period during which the film is made; or (b) the film is made or first pu

Section 124 — Nature of copyright in films

For the purposes of this Act, unless the contrary intention appears, copyright in a film is the exclusive right to do all or any of the following acts:(a) to make a copy of the film; (b) to cause the visual images of the film to be seen in

Section 125 — Duration of copyright in films

(1) Subject to subsection (2), any copyright in a film expires —(a) if the film is first published within 50 years after the end of the year in which the film is made — 70 years after the end of the year in which the film is first published

Section 126 — Conditions for copyright to subsist in broadcasts

(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, copyright subsists in a broadcast if the broadcast is made from a place in Singapore by the holder of a broadcasting licence.(2) This section does not apply to —(a) a broadcast made before 10 April

Section 127 — Nature of copyright in broadcasts

For the purposes of this Act, unless the contrary intention appears, copyright in a broadcast is the exclusive right to do all or any of the following acts:(a) to make a copy of the broadcast; (b) to communicate the broadcast to the public

Section 128 — Duration of copyright in broadcasts

Subject to section 129, any copyright in a broadcast expires 50 years after the end of the year in which the broadcast is made.

Section 129 — Duration of copyright in repeat broadcasts

(1) This section applies to a broadcast (called in this section a repeat broadcast) that —(a) repeats (whether for the first time or otherwise) an earlier broadcast (called in this section the original broadcast) that is made from a place i

Section 130 — Conditions for copyright to subsist in cable programmes

(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, copyright subsists in a cable programme if the programme is included in a cable programme service that is provided by a qualified person in Singapore.(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a cable pr

Section 131 — Nature of copyright in cable programmes

(1) For the purposes of this Act, unless the contrary intention appears, copyright in a cable programme is the exclusive right to do all or any of the following acts:(a) to make a copy of the programme; (b) to communicate the programme to t

Section 132 — Duration of copyright in cable programmes

Any copyright in a cable programme expires 50 years after the end of the year in which the cable programme is first included in the cable programme service.

Section 133 — First owner — maker of work, etc., is default first owner

(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the first owner of copyright in a work is —(a) in the case of an authorial work — subject to subsection (2), the author; (b) in the case of a published edition of an authorial work — the publisher;

Section 134 — First owner — copyright created in the course of employment

(1) This section applies where, in the course of a contract of service, the employee —(a) makes an authorial work; or (b) does any of the following on or after 21 November 2021:(i) makes a sound recording, film or broadcast; (ii) provides a

Section 135 — First owner — sound recordings, films and certain authorial works commissioned before 21 November 2021

(1) This section applies where —(a) one party (X) entered into an agreement with another party (Y) before 21 November 2021; (b) pursuant to the agreement, X does any of the following (whether before, on or after 21 November 2021):(i) takes

Section 136 — First owner — Government and prescribed international organisations

(1) Despite subsections (3) and (4) and sections 133, 134 and 135, the Government is the first owner of —(a) any copyright in an unpublished authorial work made by or under the direction or control of the Government (including any copyright

Section 137 — Transfer of copyright

Copyright may be transferred as personal or moveable property by —(a) assignment; (b) testamentary disposition; or (c) operation of law.

Section 138 — Assignment — formalities

An assignment of copyright is valid only if it is —(a) made in writing; and (b) signed by or on behalf of the assignor.

Section 139 — Assignment — partial assignment

An assignment of copyright may be limited, but only in one or more of the following ways:(a) to some but not all the types of acts comprised in the copyright; (b) to a part but not the whole of each type of act comprised in the copyright; (

Section 140 — Assignment — assignment of future copyright

(1) A future copyright may be assigned by the person who would be the copyright owner when the copyright comes into existence.(2) Where a future copyright is assigned, the copyright will, when it comes into existence —(a) vest in the assign

Section 141 — Licences — licence of future copyright

(1) A licence may be granted in respect of a future copyright by the person who would be the copyright owner when the copyright comes into existence.(2) Section 143 applies to a licence of a future copyright as it applies to the licence of

Section 142 — Licences — formalities for exclusive licence

An exclusive licence of a copyright is valid only if it is —(a) made in writing; and (b) signed by or on behalf of the owner or prospective owner of the copyright.

Section 143 — Licences — licence binds successors in title to copyright except bona fide purchaser

Where the owner of a copyright grants a licence of the copyright —(a) in the case of a licence granted on or after 1 July 2004 to the Government or a public body — the licence binds every successor in title to the copyright; and (b) in any

Section 144 — Death — devolution of copyright coming into existence after would‑be owner dies

(1) This section applies where a copyright comes into existence after the death of the person who would have been the copyright owner had he or she been alive.(2) The ownership of the copyright is to devolve as if —(a) the copyright existed

Section 145 — Death — bequest of manuscript, etc., includes any copyright therein

(1) This section applies to a bequest (whether specific or general) if —(a) the testator dies on or after 10 April 1987; (b) the bequest entitles a person, beneficially or otherwise, to —(i) the manuscript of a literary, dramatic or musical

Section 146 — Infringement by doing act comprised in copyright

(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, copyright is infringed if —(a) a person does in Singapore, or authorises the doing in Singapore of, any act comprised in the copyright; and (b) the person neither owns the copyright nor has the lic

Section 147 — Infringement by importation for commercial dealing, etc.

(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, copyright in a work is infringed if —(a) a person imports an article for the purpose of —(i) commercial dealing; or (ii) distributing the article to an extent that will prejudicially affect the cop

Section 148 — Infringement by commercial dealing, etc.

(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, copyright in a work is infringed if —(a) a person does any of the following acts in Singapore:(i) deals commercially in an article; or (ii) distributes an article to an extent that will prejudicial

Section 149 — Accessory to imported article to be ignored for purposes of sections 147 and 148 in certain circumstances

(1) This section applies where —(a) an imported article includes an accessory; (b) the accessory is or embodies any of the following material:(i) an authorial work; (ii) a published edition of an authorial work; (iii) a sound recording; (iv

Section 150 — Infringement by making device or providing service, etc., to access works communicated without authority

(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, copyright in a work is infringed by a person (X) if —(a) the work is communicated to the public without the copyright owner’s authority; (b) X does any of the following acts (whether before or afte

Section 151 — Infringement by failure to pay equitable remuneration for causing sounds embodied in commercially published sound recordings to be heard in public

(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, copyright in a sound recording is infringed if a person fails to pay equitable remuneration to the copyright owner in circumstances to which section 121(b) applies.(2) This section does not limit s

Section 152 — Exceptions to infringement

(1) Part 5 (permitted uses) applies.(2) The following written laws also provide for exceptions to copyright infringement:(a) section 25(5) of the Newspaper and Printing Presses Act 1974 (copies of declared foreign newspapers); (b) section 5

Section 153 — Action for copyright infringement

(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, an action against a person for an infringement of copyright may be brought in the Court by —(a) the copyright owner; or (b) if an exclusive licence of the copyright is in force at the time of the i

Section 154 — Limitation of action

An action may not be brought for an infringement of copyright more than 6 years after the infringement takes place.

Section 155 — Remedies and border enforcement measures

Part 6 applies, subject to Subdivision (3) of this Division.

Section 156 — Interpretation of this Subdivision

In this Subdivision —“infringement” means an infringement of copyright for which the copyright owner and the exclusive licensee of the copyright have concurrent rights of action; “infringement action” has a corresponding meaning; “party” me

Section 157 — Application of this Subdivision

(1) This Subdivision applies where an action for an infringement of copyright may be brought by the copyright owner and the exclusive licensee of the copyright.(2) This Subdivision does not apply in relation to a licence granted before 10 A

Section 158 — Joinder and costs

(1) This section applies if the copyright owner or the exclusive licensee (but not both) brings an infringement action.(2) Unless the Court orders otherwise, the party that brought the action may proceed with the action without joining the

Section 159 — Same defences and same remedies available

(1) This section applies if the exclusive licensee brings an infringement action.(2) A defendant in the action is entitled to the same defences under this Act that would be available to the defendant if the action had been brought by the co

Section 160 — Assessment of damages

(1) This section applies if —(a) the copyright owner or the exclusive licensee brings an infringement action for an infringement; and (b) the other party is not a claimant in that action. (2) If the Court orders the payment of damages or st

Section 161 — Apportionment of profits

(1) This section applies if the copyright owner or the exclusive licensee brings an infringement action for an infringement (whether or not the other party is also a claimant in that action).(2) If the Court orders an account of profits to

Section 162 — Separate actions for same infringement

(1) This section applies if the copyright owner and the exclusive licensee bring separate actions for the same infringement.(2) If there is a final order in one action —(a) for damages or statutory damages to be paid in respect of the infri

Section 163 — Application

(1) This Division applies in an action for copyright infringement.(2) The presumptions in this Division do not apply if the contrary is proved. —(1) This Division applies in an action for copyright infringement. (2) The presumptions in this

Section 164 — Presumption that copyright subsists if not disputed, etc.

(1) Copyright is presumed to subsist in a work if —(a) the defendant does not put in issue the question whether copyright subsists in the work; (b) the defendant puts that question in issue, but does not satisfy the Court that this is done

Section 165 — Presumption that claimant owns copyright if not disputed, etc.

(1) This section applies if copyright is proved (or presumed by section 164) to subsist in a work.(2) The claimant is presumed to own the copyright if —(a) the defendant does not put in issue the question whether the claimant owns the copyr

Section 166 — Presumption of authorship where name appears

(1) This section applies if —(a) either —(i) a name purporting to be that of the author (or a joint author) of an authorial work appears on a published copy of the work; or (ii) a name purporting to be that of the author (or a joint author)

Section 167 — Presumptions where authorial work is first published in Singapore

(1) This section applies if —(a) an infringement action is brought in relation to an authorial work; (b) the presumptions in section 166 are not applicable; (c) it is proved that —(i) the work is first published in Singapore; (ii) the first

Section 168 — Presumptions where author is dead

(1) This section applies if it is proved that the author of an authorial work is dead.(2) The work is presumed to be original. (3) If the claimant alleges that a specified publication is the first publication of the work and that the first

Section 169 — Presumptions as to anonymous or pseudonymous authorial work

(1) This section applies if —(a) an authorial work is published; (b) the publication is anonymous or is alleged by the claimant to be pseudonymous; and (c) it is not proved that the work has an identified author. (2) The work is presumed to

Section 170 — Presumptions relating to label or mark on copies of sound recording

(1) This section applies if —(a) copies of a sound recording are supplied to the public; and (b) those copies bear a label or other mark stating that —(i) a specified person owns the copyright in the recording; (ii) the recording is first p

Section 171 — Presumptions as to maker of film

(1) This section applies if —(a) copies of a film are made available to the public; (b) the name of a person appears on those copies in a way that implies that the person made the film; and (c) in the case of an individual — the name is —(i

Section 172 — Interpretation of this Part

In this Part —“direct”, in relation to recording a performance, means recording the live performance; “indirect”, in relation to recording a performance, means recording from a communication of the performance.

Section 173 — Protection of performances

A performance is protected if it is —(a) a qualifying performance; and (b) given live —(i) in Singapore; or (ii) by a qualified individual.

Section 174 — Duration of protection

A performance is protected for the period —(a) starting on the day the performance is given; and (b) ending 70 years after the end of the year in which the performance is given.

Section 175 — Infringing use — general

Subject to Part 5 (permitted uses), a person makes an infringing use of a protected performance if —(a) the person does any of the following acts:(i) while the performance is live —(A) directly or indirectly records the performance in any m

Section 176 — Infringing use — commercial dealing in unauthorised recordings, etc.

Subject to Part 5 (permitted uses), a person makes an infringing use of a protected performance if —(a) the person does any of the following acts:(i) deals commercially in a recording of the performance; (ii) imports a recording of the perf

Section 177 — Action for infringing use of protected performance

A performer of a protected performance may bring an action in the Court against any person who makes an infringing use of the performance.

Section 178 — Limitation of action

An action under section 177 for an infringing use of a performance may not be brought more than 6 years after the infringing use takes place.

Section 179 — Remedies and border enforcement measures

Part 6 applies.

Section 180 — Assignment of right to bring action

(1) The right to bring an action under section 177 may be assigned.(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), an assignment is valid only if it is —(a) made in writing; and (b) signed by or on behalf of the assignor. (3) Subsection (2)(b) does

Section 181 — Presumptions relating to identity of performers

(1) This section applies to an action under section 177.(2) Unless the contrary is proved, a person is presumed to be the performer of a performance if —(a) the person’s true name, or a name by which the person is commonly known, appears on

Section 182 — Other rights not affected

This Part does not affect —(a) any copyright in a work that is performed; (b) any copyright in a sound recording, film or broadcast of a performance; and (c) any other right or obligation arising otherwise than under this Part.

Section 183 — Permitted uses are not rights infringements

(1) Where an act in relation to a work is a permitted use, the act is not an infringement of any copyright in the work.(2) Where an act in relation to a protected performance is a permitted use, the act is not an infringing use of the perfo

Section 184 — Permitted uses are independent

Unless this Act expressly provides otherwise, a permitted use is independent of, and does not affect the application of, any other permitted use.

Section 185 — Permitted uses may go beyond scope of copyright or protection of performances

An act that is a permitted use —(a) is not necessarily comprised in a copyright; and (b) would not necessarily constitute an infringing use of a protected performance if the act were not a permitted use.Explanation. — To provide certainty,

Section 186 — Permitted uses may be excluded or restricted by reasonable contract term

(1) Subject to this section and section 187, a rights owner may, by contract with a person, exclude or restrict the application of a permitted use to that person.(2) A contract term between the rights owner and another person (called in thi

Section 187 — Permitted uses that may not be excluded or restricted

(1) Any contract term is void to the extent that it purports, directly or indirectly, to exclude or restrict any permitted use under any provision in —(a) Division 6 (public collections), but not section 234 (supplying copies of published l

Section 188 — Evasion through choice of law clause to be void

(1) A contract term that purports to apply the law of a country other than Singapore is void if —(a) the application of that law has the effect of excluding or restricting the operation of any permitted use; and (b) either —(i) the term is

Section 189 — What is sufficient acknowledgment of an authorial work

(1) For the purposes of this Part, an acknowledgment of an authorial work is sufficient if the acknowledgment identifies —(a) the work by its title or other description; and (b) subject to subsection (2) — the author. (2) It is not necessar

Section 190 — Fair use is permitted use

(1) It is a permitted use of a work to make a fair use of the work.(2) It is a permitted use of a protected performance to make a fair use of —(a) the performance; or (b) a recording of the performance. —(1) It is a permitted use of a work

Section 191 — Relevant matters in deciding whether use is fair

Subject to sections 192, 193 and 194, all relevant matters must be considered in deciding whether a work or a protected performance (including a recording of the performance) is fairly used, including —(a) the purpose and character of the u

Section 192 — Additional requirement for sufficient acknowledgment where use is for certain purposes

(1) Where a work or a protected performance (including a recording of the performance) is used for the purpose of reporting news, the use is not fair unless —(a) the work or performance is sufficiently acknowledged; or (b) sufficient acknow

Section 193 — Deemed fair use where work or recording included in fairly‑used work

(1) This section applies where —(a) any of the following is used for the purpose of criticism or review:(i) a sound recording; (ii) a film; (iii) a broadcast; (iv) a cable programme; (v) a protected performance (including a recording of the

Section 194 — Deemed fair use where reasonable portion copied for research or study

(1) Making a copy of a literary, dramatic or musical work for the purpose of research or study is deemed to be a fair use (and section 191 does not apply) if —(a) the work is an article in a periodical publication; or (b) no more than a rea

Section 195 — Interpretation: when is a copy or recording made or used for the educational purposes of an educational institution

(1) For the purposes of this Division, a copy of a work or a recording of a protected performance is taken to be made or used for the educational purposes of an educational institution if —(a) the copy or recording is made for use, or is us

Section 196 — Copying authorial work by non‑reprographic means for course of education

(1) If the conditions in subsection (2) are met, it is a permitted use to make a copy of an authorial work.(2) The conditions are —(a) the copy is made for the purposes of a course of education; (b) the copy is made by a person conducting o

Section 197 — Copying or communicating very small portions of literary or dramatic work for course of education provided by educational institutions

(1) If the conditions in subsection (2) are met, it is a permitted use of a literary or dramatic work for a person (X) to —(a) make a copy of a part (but not the whole) of the work in an edition of the work; or (b) communicate a part (but n

Section 198 — Copying or communicating material for educational purposes of educational institutions

(1) If the conditions in subsection (2) are met and subject to section 199, it is a permitted use to —(a) make a copy of any of the following material:(i) an authorial work; (ii) a recording of a protected performance; or (b) communicate th

Section 199 — Suspension of section 198 for contravention of record keeping requirements

(1) Subject to this section, a Copyright Tribunal may make an order suspending the application of the whole of section 198 in relation to a body administering an educational institution.(2) A suspension order may only be made on an applicat

Section 200 — Copying broadcasts or cable programmes for educational purposes

(1) If the conditions in subsection (2) are met, it is a permitted use to make a copy of a broadcast or cable programme.(2) The conditions are —(a) the copy is made by or on behalf of the body administering an educational institution; and (