The MOI may soon resume issuing censorship certificates and penalizing retail outlets that sell or rent videos without valid certificates. A reorganization of the Ministry is underway that is intended to provide copyright education to the public, intensify inspections, standardize enforcement procedures, and improve training of MOI staff. But consistent enforcement is still far from a reality, and the condition of the Bahraini video market, still dominated by pirate material, shows it. The uncertainty surrounding the legal status of copyright protection for sound recordings, especially international repertoire, continues to hamper market entry. 3 Enforcement against audio piracy has been minimal, although some outlets for pirate cassettes were apparently shut down for a time.
Books Unauthorized photocopying of books is a continuing problem in Bahrain.
Reprints authorized for distribution only in India and pirate books from the rest of the Middle and Far East are also available. Sound recordings are not specifically mentioned in the law and, when it is amended, they should be covered expressly. Bahrain appears to require copyright registration and deposit as a condition of protection. As to works originating in any Berne country, such as the U.S., this requirement is inconsistent with Berne and must be eliminated. A definition of audiovisual works should be added to cover all cinematographic works, regardless of the medium of fixation.