# Copyright Act 1987 (Singapore)

Date of Commencement: 10th April 1987 (S 107/1987) Date of Repeal: 21 November 2021 (S 879/2021) Repealed by the Copyright Act 2021. Chapter numbers cited in this Act is the pre-1985 chapter numbers.
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REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE
ACTS SUPPLEMENT
Published by Authority
First published in the Government Gazette, Electronic Edition, 20th February 1987 at 5:00 pm.
The following Act was passed by Parliament on 26th January 1987 and assented to by the President on 14th February 1987:—
COPYRIGHT ACT 1987
(No. 2 of 1987)
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
PART I PRELIMINARY :
| Section | |
| 1. | Short title and commencement |
| 2. | Application |
| 3. | Application to the Government |
| 4. | Copyright not to subsist except by virtue of this Act |
| 5. | Savings of rights of the Government, etc |
| 6. | Operation of other laws ​ |
| PART II INTERPRETATION ||
| 7. | Interpretation |
| 8. | Residence |
| 9. | Acts comprised in copyright |
| 10. | Acts done in relation to substantial part of work or other subject-matter deemed to be done in relation to the whole |
| 11. | References to acts done with licence of owner of copyright |
| 12. | References to partial assignment of copyright |
| 13. | Libraries established or conducted for profit |
| 14. | Names under which work is published |
| 15. | Reproduction of works |
| 16. | Provisions relating to the making of a work or other subject-matter |
| 17. | Computer storage |
| 18. | Sound recordings and records |
| 19. | References to sounds and visual images embodied in an article |
| 20. | Provisions relating to broadcasting |
| 21. | Cable programmes |
| 22. | Performance |
| 23. | Performance of works or other subject-matter by students, etc |
| 24. | Publication |
| 25. | Ownership of copyright for particular purposes |
| PART III COPYRIGHT IN ORIGINAL LITERARY, DRAMATIC, MUSICAL AND ARTISTIC WORKS ||
| Division 1—Nature, Duration and Ownership of Copyright in Works ||
| 26. | Nature of copyright in original works |
| 27. | Original works in which copyright subsists |
| 28. | Duration of copyright in original works |
| 29. | Duration of copyright in anonymous and pseudonymous work |
| 30. | Ownership of copyright in original works |
| Division 2—Infringement of Copyright in Works ||
| 31. | Infringement by doing acts comprised in the copyright |
| 32. | Infringement by importation for sale or hire |
| 33. | Infringement by sale and other dealings ​ |
| 34. | Infringing copies made on machines installed in libraries and archives |
| Division 3—Acts not Constituting Infringements of Copyright Works ||
| 35. | Fair dealing for purpose of research or study |
| 36. | Fair dealing for purpose of criticism or review |
| 37. | Fair dealing for purpose of reporting current events |
| 38. | Reproduction for purpose of judicial proceedings or professional advice |
| 39. | Back-up copy of computer program |
| 40. | Inclusion of works in collections for use by educational institutions |
| Division 4—Acts not Constituting Infringements of Copyright in Literary, Dramatic and Musical Works ||
| 41. | Reading or recitation in public or for a broadcast |
| 42. | Religious performances |
| 43. | Reproduction for purpose of broadcasting |
| Division 5—Copying of Works in Libraries ||
| 44. | Interpretation |
| 45. | Copying by libraries and archives for users |
| 46. | Copying by libraries or archives for other libraries or archives |
| 47. | Copying of unpublished works in libraries or archives |
| 48. | Copying of works for preservation and other purposes |
| 49. | Publication of unpublished works kept in libraries |
| 50. | Application of Division to illustrations accompanying articles and other works |
| Division 6—Copying of Works in Educational Institutions ||
| 51. | Multiple copying of insubstantial portions of works |
| 52. | Multiple copying under statutory licence by educational institutions |
| 53. | Application of Division to illustrations accompanying articles and other works |
| Division 7—Copying of Works in Institution Assisting Handicapped Readers ||
| 54. | Multiple copying under statutory licence by institutions assisting handicapped readers |
| Division 8—Recording of Musical Works ||
| 55. | Interpretation ​ |
| 56. | Conditions upon which manufacturer may make records of musical work |
| 57. | Amount of royalty |
| 58. | Provisions relating to royalty where two or more works are on the one record |
| 59. | Revision of royalty and minimum royalty |
| 60. | Conditions upon which manufacturer may include part of a literary or dramatic work in a record of a musical work |
| 61. | Making inquiries in relation to previous records |
| 62. | Application of Division in relation to record of part of a work |
| Division 9—Acts not Constituting Infringements of Copyright in Artistic Works ||
| 63. | Sculptures and certain other works in public places |
| 64. | Buildings and models of buildings |
| 65. | Incidental filming or televising of artistic works |
| 66. | Publication of artistic works |
| 67. | Artistic works included in a cable programme |
| 68. | Reproduction for purpose of including work in television broadcast or cable programme |
| 69. | Reproduction of work in different dimensions |
| 70. | Special exception for artistic works which have been industrially applied |
| 71. | Reproduction of part of work in later work |
| 72. | Reconstruction of buildings |
| Division 10—Designs ||
| 73. | Interpretation |
| 74. | Special exception in respect of industrial design |
| Division 11—Works of Joint Authorship ||
| 75. | References to all of joint authors |
| 76. | References to any one or more of joint authors |
| 77. | References to whichever of joint authors died last |
| 78. | Works of joint authorship published under pseudonyms |
| 79. | Copyright to subsist in joint works without regard to any author who is an unqualified person |
| 80. | Inclusion of joint works in collections for use in educational institutions ​ |
| PART IV COPYRIGHT IN SUBJECT-MATTER OTHER THAN WORKS ||
| Division 1—Preliminary ||
| 81. | Interpretation |
| Division 2—Nature of Copyright in Subject-Matter other than Works ||
| 82. | Nature of copyright in sound recordings |
| 83. | Nature of copyright in cinematograph films |
| 84. | Nature of copyright in television broadcasts and sound broadcasts |
| 85. | Nature of copyright in cable programmes |
| 86. | Nature of copyright in published editions of works |
| Division 3—Subject-Matter, other than Works, in which Copyright subsists ||
| 87. | Sound recordings in which copyright subsists |
| 88. | Cinematograph films in which copyright subsists |
| 89. | Television broadcasts and sound broadcasts in which copyright subsists |
| 90. | Cable programmes in which copyright subsists |
| 91. | Published editions of works in which copyright subsists |
| Division 4—Duration of Copyright in Subject-Matter other than Works ||
| 92. | Duration of copyright in sound recordings |
| 93. | Duration of copyright in cinematograph films |
| 94. | Duration of copyright in television broadcasts and sound broadcasts |
| 95. | Duration of copyright in cable programmes |
| 96. | Duration of copyright in published editions of works |
| Division 5—Ownership of Copyright in Subject-Matter other than Works ||
| 97. | Ownership of copyright in sound recordings |
| 98. | Ownership of copyright in cinematograph films |
| 99. | Ownership of copyright in television broadcasts and sound broadcasts |
| 100. | Ownership of copyright in cable programmes |
| 101. | Ownership of copyright in published editions of works |
| Division 6—Infringement of Copyright in Subject-Matter other than Works ||
| 102. | Interpretation |
| 103. | Infringement by doing acts comprised in copyright ​ |
| 104. | Infringement by importation for sale or hire |
| 105. | Infringement by sale and other dealings |
| 106. | Acts done for purposes of judicial proceeding |
| 107. | Making of a copy of the sound recording for purposes of broadcasting |
| 108. | Provisions relating to cinematograph films |
| 109. | Fair dealing for purpose of research or private study |
| 110. | Fair dealing for purpose of criticism or review |
| 111. | Fair dealing for purpose of reporting news |
| 112. | Copying of unpublished sound recordings and cinematograph films in libraries or archives |
| 113. | Copying of sound recordings and cinematograph films for preservation and other purposes |
| 114. | Filming or recording broadcasts or programmes for private and domestic use |
| 115. | Use of broadcasts for educational purposes |
| 116. | Reproductions of editions of work |
| Division 7—Miscellaneous ||
| 117. | Copyrights to subsist independently |
| PART V REMEDIES FOR INFRINGEMENTS OF COPYRIGHT ||
| Division 1—Preliminary ||
| 118. | Interpretation |
| Division 2—Actions by Owner of Copyright ||
| 119. | Actions for infringement |
| 120. | Delivery up of infringing copies |
| Division 3—Proceedings where Copyright is subject to Exclusive Licence ||
| 121. | Interpretation |
| 122. | Application |
| 123. | Rights of exclusive licensee |
| 124. | Joinder of owner or exclusive licensee as a party |
| 125. | Defences available against exclusive licensee |
| 126. | Assessment of damages where exclusive licence granted |
| 127. | Apportionment of profits between owner and exclusive licensee |
| 128. | Separate actions in relation to the same infringement |
| 129. | Liability for costs ​ |
| Division 4—Proof of Facts in Copyright Proceedings ||
| 130. | Presumptions as to subsistence and ownership of copyright |
| 131. | Presumptions in relation to authorship of work |
| 132. | Presumptions in relation to publisher of work |
| 133. | Presumptions where author has died |
| 134. | Evidence in relation to recordings |
| 135. | Presumptions in relation to maker of film |
| Division 5—Offences ||
| 136. | Offences |
| 137. | Affidavit evidence |
| 138. | Powers of police officer |
| 139. | Advertisement for supply of infringing copies of computer programs |
| 140. | Court for trial of offences |
| Division 6—Miscellaneous ||
| 141. | Limitation of actions in respect of infringement of copyright |
| 142. | Restriction of importation of copies of works |
| PART VI COMPULSORY LICENCES FOR TRANSLATION AND REPRODUCTION OF CERTAIN WORKS ||
| 143. | Interpretation |
| 144. | Licence to produce and publish translations |
| 145. | Licence to reproduce and publish works for certain purposes |
| 146. | Licence for domestic broadcasting organisation |
| 147. | Termination of licences issued under this Part |
| 148. | Discontinuation of this Part |
| PART VII THE COPYRIGHT TRIBUNAL ||
| Division 1—Preliminary ||
| 149. | Interpretation |
| 150. | Cases to which licence schemes apply |
| Division 2—Constitution of the Tribunal ||
| 151. | Establishment of Tribunal ​ |
| 152. | Tenure of office |
| 153. | Minister may appoint any person to act for absent member, etc |
| 154. | Quorum |
| 155. | Decision of Tribunal |
| 156. | Sittings of Tribunal |
| Division 3—Inquiries by, and Applications and References to, the Tribunal ||
| 157. | Inquiries into royalty payable in respect of records of musical works |
| 158. | Applications to Tribunal for determination of remuneration payable to owner of copyright for copies made under statutory licence |
| 159. | Applications to Tribunal for apportionment of royalty in respect of a record |
| 160. | Reference of proposed licence schemes to Tribunal |
| 161. | Reference of existing licence schemes to Tribunal |
| 162. | Further reference of licence schemes to Tribunal |
| 163. | Application to Tribunal in relation to licences |
| 164. | Effect of licence schemes being continued in operation pending order of Tribunal |
| 165. | Effect of order of Tribunal in relation to licences |
| 166. | Attorney-General may make application for suspension order |
| 167. | Application to revoke suspension orders |
| 168. | Interim orders |
| 169. | Reference of questions of law to the High Court |
| 170. | Agreements or awards not affected |
| Division 4—Procedure and Evidence ||
| 171. | Proceedings to be in public except in special circumstances |
| 172. | Application may be made to Tribunal by the agent of the copyright owner |
| 173. | Procedure |
| 174. | Mistakes or errors in orders of Tribunal |
| 175. | Regulations as to procedure |
| 176. | Power to take evidence on oath |
| 177. | Evidence in form of written statement |
| 178. | Representation |
| Division 5—Miscellaneous ||
| 179. | Protection of members and witnesses |
| 180. | Disobedience to summons, etc ​ |
| 181. | Contempt of Tribunal, etc |
| 182. | Cost of Proceedings |
| 183. | Proof of orders of Tribunal |
| PART VIII EXTENSION OR RESTRICTION OF ACT ||
| 184. | Application of Act to countries other than Singapore |
| 185. | Provisions as to international organisations |
| 186. | Denial of copyright to citizens of countries not giving adequate protection to Singapore works |
| PART IX FALSE ATTRIBUTION OF AUTHORSHIP ||
| 187. | Interpretation |
| 188. | Duty not to attribute falsely the authorship of a work |
| 189. | Duty not to attribute falsely the authorship of altered work |
| 190. | Duty not to attribute falsely the authorship of reproduction of artistic work |
| 191. | Breach of duty not committed if act done outside Singapore or done with permission |
| 192. | Action for breach of duty |
| 193. | Restriction of importation of copies of works |
| PART X MISCELLANEOUS ||
| 194. | Assignments and licences in respect of copyright |
| 195. | Prospective ownership of copyright |
| 196. | Copyright to pass under will with unpublished work |
| 197. | Provisions as to Government copyright |
| 198. | Use of copyright material for the service of the Government |
| 199. | Reception of broadcasts or cable programmes |
| 200. | Groundless threats of legal proceedings |
| 201. | Notation of copies and handicapped readers’ copies |
| 202. | Regulations |
| 203. | Repeal of Copyright Act 1911 |
| 204. | Consequential amendment ​ |
| PART XI TRANSITIONAL ||
| Division 1—Preliminary ||
| 205. | Interpretation |
| 206. | References to making of works, recordings and films |
| 207. | References in other laws or instruments to copyright |
| 208. | Authorship of photographs |
| 209. | Publication |
| Division 2—Original Works ||
| 210. | Expired copyright not to revive |
| 211. | Original works in which copyright subsists |
| 212. | Duration of copyright in photographs |
| 213. | Ownership of copyright |
| 214. | Recording of musical works |
| 215. | Publication of artistic works |
| 216. | Reconstruction of buildings |
| 217. | Industrial designs |
| 218. | Reproduction of work upon payment of royalties |
| Division 3—Subject-Matter other than Works ||
| 219. | Sound recordings |
| 220. | Cinematograph films |
| 221. | Application of Act to dramatic works and photographs comprised in cinematograph films |
| 222. | Television broadcasts and sound broadcasts |
| 223. | Published editions of works |
| 224. | Cable programmes |
| Division 4—Miscellaneous ||
| 225. | Actions for infringement |
| 226. | Actions where copyright subject to exclusive licence |
| 227. | Offences |
| 228. | Limitation of actions |
| 229. | Restriction of importation of printed copies of works |
| 230. | References and applications to Tribunal in relation to licence schemes |
| 231. | Duration of Government copyright in photographs |
| 232. | Duration of Government copyright in recordings ​ |
| 233. | Government copyright in films |
| 234. | Works made or published by international organisations |
| 235. | Subject-matter, other than original works, made or published by international organisations |
| 236. | False attribution of authorship of work |
| 237. | Assignments and licences |
| 238. | Bequests |
| 239. | Existing computer programs |
| Division 5—Works made before 1st July 1912 ||
| 240. | Interpretation |
| 241. | Application |
| 242. | Rights conferred by Copyright Act 1911 |
| 243. | Performing rights |
| 244. | Contributions to periodicals |
| 245. | Assignments and licences |
| | The Schedule—False Registration of Industrial Designs |
This work is Singaporean legislation (Act of Parliament or subsidiary legislation), which is copyrighted in Singapore for 70 years after publication pursuant to
* sections 114(1) and 136(1)(b) of the Copyright Act 2021, or
* section 197(3)(b) of the repealed Copyright Act (Cap. 63, 2006 Rev. Ed.) for legislation published before 21 November 2021.
However, as an edict of a government, it is in the public domain in the U.S.
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