Yes, copyright law does apply in different countries, but it can vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another. Copyright protection is typically governed by national laws and international treaties. While there are international agreements like the Berne Convention and the TRIPS Agreement that establish certain minimum standards for copyright protection, the specific rules, duration of copyright, and enforcement mechanisms can differ. Therefore, when dealing with copyright issues that cross international borders, it's essential to consult with legal experts who specialize in copyright law in the relevant jurisdictions. For instance, if you require assistance with copyright matters in Toronto, you may want to consider seeking the expertise of a copyright litigation lawyer in Toronto who can navigate the intricacies of Canadian copyright law and its international implications.
Protection against unauthorized use in a particular country depends on the national laws of that country. If you distribute a book in a particular country, the law of the country in which you distribute the book generally applies. This also means that, in general terms, the law of the country where a work is used applies to that particular use. The criteria for what is considered fair treatment are listed in the law of each of these countries, not to mention all the specific possible uses.
To find out what term you should request for the use of a foreign work in your country, the easiest way is to check if the country in which you want to use the work applies the “short term rule”. The information provided on this site does not constitute legal advice, does not constitute a lawyer referral service, and no attorney-client or confidential relationship will be formed or formed through the use of the site. If the copy has been made outside the European Union and gives rise to a court case, the law of that relevant jurisdiction, where the copy was made, will apply. However, there are international agreements that protect your work under the laws of most other countries.
This system leaves room for local variation, as many countries enact laws that provide protections beyond what is required. While they can be guaranteed the protection of their works in foreign jurisdictions, the path to execution is usually with a lawsuit in the courts of a distant country (where proceedings will be conducted in the language of that country) under the law of that country. In some countries, such permission is granted by law (a “legal license”) in exchange for a designated payment.
