Asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property

Q: Hello. im from iran and i wanted to know if i can get sued for violating copyright laws...

for additional information i want to note that my country hasnt signed the WIPO copyright treaty and isn't a member of the berne convention. so considering these, is there a possibility that i might get sued by violating copyright laws inside iran? i want to pirate a game and i don't want any troubles

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: It's important to understand that copyright laws vary from country to country, and the absence of international agreements like the WIPO copyright treaty and membership in the Berne Convention can affect the legal landscape regarding copyright in Iran. However, even without these treaties, Iran still has its own domestic copyright laws that govern intellectual property rights within its borders.

While it might seem like there's less risk of being sued for copyright infringement in a country that hasn't signed international agreements, it doesn't necessarily mean you're immune from legal consequences. Iran likely has its own copyright laws and enforcement mechanisms in place to protect intellectual property, which could include penalties for piracy and copyright infringement.

Engaging in piracy, such as illegally downloading or distributing copyrighted material like games, still carries legal risks, regardless of the absence of certain international agreements. It's essential to consider the potential consequences and ethical implications of copyright infringement, as well as the impact it can have on creators, developers, and the industry as a whole. It's advisable to seek legal advice or explore alternative ways to access content legally and support creators while staying compliant with copyright laws.

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