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January 28, 2025

Non-compliance with international copyright laws and its impact on book publishing in Iran / Abdullah Bai Lashki

Iran, known for its rich literary heritage and ancient tradition of intellectualism, has served as a vibrant hub for writers, publishers, and literature enthusiasts for centuries. In a space where poetry, prose, and scientific works thrive, Iranian literary contributions both within and outside of the country have had a lasting impact. However, the emergence of significant concerns regarding Iran’s adherence to international copyright laws threatens the dynamic literary landscape in Iran.

The goal of this short text is to clarify the dimensions of Iran’s position regarding international copyright regulations and its consequences. Specifically, the aim of this text is to examine the consequences of Iran’s non-compliance with international copyright laws on publishers and authors in Iran. Additionally, this text demonstrates how this deviation from global norms may potentially weaken the enthusiasm of publishers and authors to create and publish new books.

The copyright laws of Iran, which have their roots in the early 20th century, have undergone numerous revisions throughout their evolution. While these legal frameworks have adapted to changing social needs, they have also made efforts to align with international standards for protecting the right to publish. It is worth mentioning that Iran is a signatory to the Berne Convention, a key international agreement designed to preserve the rights of authors and creators worldwide. However, despite adhering to the principles outlined in the Berne Convention, Iran’s domestic laws do not fully comply with the extensive commitments outlined in this valid international treaty.

This gap between Iran’s domestic laws and internationally recognized standards outlined in the Berne Convention highlights a vital challenge with serious consequences for the creation and dissemination of literature within the country’s borders. In the following, the practical effects of this inconsistency will be addressed and its impact on key stakeholders, especially publishers and writers, in the literary field in Iran will be examined.

Iran’s struggle to control the rampant literary theft and proliferation of counterfeit publications within its borders is a symbol of the disregard for international copyright laws. The lack of effective enforcement mechanisms for copyright infringement has created an environment conducive to the unauthorized reproduction and distribution of copyrighted materials, including books. This widespread violation not only goes against international publishing standards, but also strikes at the heart of the economic stability of the publishing industry.

The consequences of uncontrolled literary theft and fraudulent publications are profound. In such circumstances, publishers face a dual challenge. Firstly, their financial losses increase with the influx of illegal copies into the market, and legitimate sales are faced with a recession. This decrease in income can have a deep impact on publishers’ willingness to invest in new titles and emerging authors, as the risk of greater financial losses becomes more apparent. Secondly, the devaluation of intellectual property rights in the face of such widespread literary theft undermines the perceived value of creative works and intensifies the challenges faced by authors and publishers.

While Iranian copyright laws provide a certain level of protection for the economic rights of authors, they fall short in preserving their moral rights. These moral rights include essential elements such as the right to be recognized as the author and the right to object to any derogatory treatment of their work. Insufficient legal regulations regarding these vital aspects allow for unauthorized alterations and adaptations of authors’ works, jeopardizing their creative integrity.

The loss of strong support for moral rights undermines the fundamental principles of writing and creates a layer of vulnerability for writers. Writers may witness unauthorized changes or distortions of their original creativity, which diminishes the essence of their artistic expression. This gap in legal support poses deep challenges for writers’ ability to control and maintain the integrity of their literary contributions.

On the other hand, publishers in Iran bear the heavy burden of copyright infringement and suffer significant financial losses due to widespread theft and the prevalence of counterfeit publications, causing them to struggle. The availability of stolen books reduces the demand for legitimate copies and leads to a noticeable decrease in sales and revenue. Publishers, faced with declining profitability, may be discouraged from allocating resources to publishing new titles and supporting emerging authors. As a result, this economic deterrent can halt the diversity and enrichment of the literary landscape in Iran.

Failure to comply with international copyright laws by Iran can lead to the isolation of the publishing industry in this country from international markets. Foreign publishers and authors who are cautious about the insufficient support for printing rights in Iran may hesitate to collaborate, translate, or enter licensing agreements with their Iranian counterparts. Fear of intellectual property infringement may hinder cross-border literary exchanges and prevent Iranian writers and publishers from being exposed to international audiences. This isolation potentially limits opportunities for cultural exchange and hinders global recognition of Iranian talents and literary contributions.

Authors, the lifeblood of every literary ecosystem, experience a direct and profound impact when copyright laws do not adequately protect their works. Authors rely on copyright both as a legal shield and as an economic incentive. When authors do not receive sufficient support for their literary works, their motivation to produce new content decreases significantly. The economic viability of creating original works becomes less feasible, especially in an environment tainted by literary theft and copyright infringement. This in turn threatens the survival of Iran’s literary output and silences new voices in its literary landscape.

Authors in Iran often struggle with the pervasive fear that their original works will be plagiarized, altered, or adapted without proper credit or permission. This anxiety casts a long shadow over the creative process, as writers may feel compelled to hold back their most innovative and experimental ideas in order to protect their intellectual property. The widespread fear of intellectual property infringement can create an atmosphere of caution and self-censorship, ultimately hindering creativity and innovation. This stifling environment may prevent writers from fully exploring their creative potential and, as a result, have an impact on the diversity and richness of literary works in Iran.

The continuous non-compliance of Iran with international copyright laws emphasizes the urgent need for reforms in its intellectual property landscape. The consequences of this non-compliance ripple throughout the country’s publishing industry and its wider literary ecosystem. The multifaceted impact includes economic challenges for publishers and creative limitations for authors, ultimately endangering the vitality of Iran’s literary scene.

Iran has stood at a crossroads to revive the enthusiasm of its people and promote literary development. Harmonizing copyright laws with international standards and strengthening enforcement mechanisms is a necessity. Giving priority to supporting the rights of authors is not just a legal obligation, but a cultural necessity. By taking these vital steps, Iran can strengthen its publishing industry and encourage writers to pursue their passions without fear. In this transformation, Iran holds the promise of preserving its literary heritage while also presenting fresh narratives to the global literary scene.

Created By: Abdullah Bai Lashaki
October 23, 2023

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