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Texto Refundido de la Ley de Propiedad Intelectual (Real Decreto Legislativo 1/1996), versión consolidada vigente en 2025.

Copyright exception history

0%20%40%60%80%100%199019952000200520102015202020251990: 60%1991: 60%1992: 60%1993: 60%1994: 60%1995: 60%1996: 20%1997: 20%1998: 20%1999: 20%2000: 20%2001: 20%2002: 20%2003: 20%2004: 20%2005: 20%2006: 20%2007: 20%2008: 20%2009: 20%2010: 20%2011: 20%2012: 20%2013: 20%2014: 20%2015: 20%2016: 20%2017: 20%2018: 20%2019: 20%2020: 20%2021: 20%2022: 20%2023: 20%2024: 20%2025: 80%YearOpenness score (%)

Selected year snapshot

For 2000, the active event in this file is Ley 5/1998, de 6 de marzo, de incorporación al Derecho español de la Directiva 96/9/CE, del Parlamento Europeo y del Consejo, de 11 de marzo de 1996, sobre la protección jurídica de las bases de datos.

20%

Current rationale

Ley 5/1998 introduced Art. 34 specifically for databases. Art. 34.2 permits reproduction of databases for scientific research (non-commercial, with source indication). However, for electronic databases, private copying under Art. 31 was already excluded. The overall picture: Art. 31 permits private copy of full works except electronic databases and computer programs; Art. 34.2 permits reproduction of databases for scientific research. The most permissive general exception remains Art. 31 (private copy) which excludes certain work categories → ORANGE. Art. 34.2 adds a research-specific exception for databases but only covers reproduction, not sharing. The overall classification remains ORANGE because the private copy exception still excludes computer programs and electronic databases (though databases now have their own research exception under Art. 34.2, it is narrower in scope — limited to reproduction for scientific research).

Exceptions considered

Art. 3120%Private UseMost permissive

Private copy of disclosed works by natural person for private use, excluding electronic databases and computer programs

Art. 320%Quotation

Quotation: fragments for teaching or research

Art. 34.280%Research

Reproduction of databases for illustration of teaching or scientific research, non-commercial, with source indication

Art. 37(1)40%Library Institutional

Reproduction by libraries/archives for research purposes without profit

Law changes

Ley 22/1987, de 11 de noviembre, de Propiedad Intelectual

Baseline · Effective 1988-01-11

60%

Relevant section: Art. 31, Art. 32, Art. 37

Dates: Effective 1988-01-11 · Enacted 1987-11-11

Why this score

Three relevant exceptions exist: (1) Art. 31 permits reproduction of a single copy of a disclosed work by a natural person for private use — this covers full works but is limited to individuals and does not cover sharing (LIGHT BLUE). (2) Art. 32 permits inclusion of 'fragments' of works for research/teaching as quotation — this is limited to fragments, not full works (RED individually). (3) Art. 37(1) permits reproduction by libraries/archives/museums for research purposes without profit — this is limited to specific institutions (PURPLE individually) but covers full works. The most permissive exception for a general researcher is Art. 31 (private use, full works, single copy, natural person, no commercial purpose). Art. 37 is more restrictive because it is limited to institutions. Art. 32 is limited to fragments. Art. 31 permits full-work reproduction but only for private use by individuals, with no sharing permitted. Classification-neutral factors (non-commercial restriction, single-copy limit) were not factored into the color. The overall classification is LIGHT BLUE based on Art. 31.

Exceptions considered

Art. 3160%Private UseMost permissive

Reproduction of a single copy of a disclosed work by a natural person for private use, without commercial purposes

Art. 320%Quotation

Inclusion of fragments of works for quotation, analysis, commentary or critical judgment, for teaching or research purposes

Art. 37(1)40%Library Institutional

Reproduction by publicly-owned or cultural/scientific institution libraries, archives, museums for research purposes, without profit

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Real Decreto Legislativo 1/1996, de 12 de abril, por el que se aprueba el texto refundido de la Ley de Propiedad Intelectual

Relevant update · Effective 1996-05-12

20%

Relevant section: Art. 31, Art. 32, Art. 37

Dates: Effective 1996-05-12 · Enacted 1996-04-12

Why this score

The consolidated text (TRLPI) as amended through various reforms introduced exclusions to the private copy exception in Art. 31.2: electronic databases and computer programs are excluded. This means a researcher can reproduce full works for private use EXCEPT databases and computer programs. Art. 32 continues to permit only fragments for quotation/research. Art. 37 continues to permit institutional reproduction for research. The most permissive exception for a general researcher is Art. 31.2 (private copy), which now permits full-work reproduction for private use by natural persons but excludes electronic databases and computer programs — specific categories of works are carved out. This maps to ORANGE. Classification-neutral factors (equitable compensation, lawful access requirement, single-copy norms) were not factored into the color decision.

Exceptions considered

Art. 31.220%Private UseMost permissive

Private copy: reproduction on any medium of disclosed works by a natural person for private use, excluding electronic databases, computer programs, and certain on-demand works

Art. 320%Quotation

Quotation: inclusion of fragments of works for quotation, analysis, commentary, teaching or research purposes

Art. 37(1)40%Library Institutional

Reproduction by publicly-owned or cultural/scientific institution libraries, archives, museums for research purposes, without profit

Original text

English rendering

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Ley 5/1998, de 6 de marzo, de incorporación al Derecho español de la Directiva 96/9/CE, del Parlamento Europeo y del Consejo, de 11 de marzo de 1996, sobre la protección jurídica de las bases de datos

Relevant update · Effective 1998-03-08

20%

Relevant section: Art. 34 (new), Art. 135 (new)

Dates: Effective 1998-03-08 · Enacted 1998-03-06

Why this score

Ley 5/1998 introduced Art. 34 specifically for databases. Art. 34.2 permits reproduction of databases for scientific research (non-commercial, with source indication). However, for electronic databases, private copying under Art. 31 was already excluded. The overall picture: Art. 31 permits private copy of full works except electronic databases and computer programs; Art. 34.2 permits reproduction of databases for scientific research. The most permissive general exception remains Art. 31 (private copy) which excludes certain work categories → ORANGE. Art. 34.2 adds a research-specific exception for databases but only covers reproduction, not sharing. The overall classification remains ORANGE because the private copy exception still excludes computer programs and electronic databases (though databases now have their own research exception under Art. 34.2, it is narrower in scope — limited to reproduction for scientific research).

Exceptions considered

Art. 3120%Private UseMost permissive

Private copy of disclosed works by natural person for private use, excluding electronic databases and computer programs

Art. 320%Quotation

Quotation: fragments for teaching or research

Art. 34.280%Research

Reproduction of databases for illustration of teaching or scientific research, non-commercial, with source indication

Art. 37(1)40%Library Institutional

Reproduction by libraries/archives for research purposes without profit

Original text

English rendering

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Ley 23/2006, de 7 de julio, por la que se modifica el texto refundido de la Ley de Propiedad Intelectual

Relevant update · Effective 2006-07-29

20%

Relevant section: Art. 31, Art. 32, Art. 37

Dates: Effective 2006-07-29 · Enacted 2006-07-07

Why this score

Ley 23/2006 transposed EU Directive 2001/29/EC (InfoSoc Directive). It restructured Art. 31 into two paragraphs (provisional reproductions and private copy), explicitly codifying the exclusions for electronic databases, computer programs, and certain on-demand works. Art. 37 was expanded to add paragraph 3 (on-premises terminal consultation for research). Art. 32 was also amended. The most permissive exception for a general researcher remains Art. 31.2 (private copy), which permits full-work reproduction by natural persons for private use but excludes electronic databases, computer programs, and certain on-demand works. These work-category exclusions mean ORANGE. Art. 37 (institutional, PURPLE) and Art. 32 (fragments/quotation, RED) are less permissive. Classification-neutral factors (equitable compensation, lawful access) not factored into color.

Exceptions considered

Art. 31.220%Private UseMost permissive

Private copy: reproduction on any medium by natural person for private use, excluding electronic databases, computer programs, and certain on-demand works

Art. 320%Quotation

Quotation and illustration for teaching/research: fragments of works, with source indication

Art. 34.280%Research

Reproduction of databases for scientific research, non-commercial, with source indication

Art. 37(1)40%Library Institutional

Reproduction by public/cultural/scientific libraries, archives, museums for research or conservation, without profit

Art. 37(3)40%Library Institutional

Communication/making available of works for research via closed internal network on specialized terminals in library/archive premises

Original text

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Ley 21/2014, de 4 de noviembre, por la que se modifica el texto refundido de la Ley de Propiedad Intelectual

Relevant update · Effective 2015-01-01

20%

Relevant section: Art. 32, Art. 37

Dates: Effective 2015-01-01 · Enacted 2014-11-04

Why this score

Ley 21/2014 significantly reformed Art. 32. The new Art. 32.3 created a specific exception for university and public research organization personnel for scientific research, covering reproduction, distribution, and communication to the public — but only of 'small fragments' (pequeños fragmentos) of works and isolated plastic/photographic works. This is limited to excerpts, not full works, so individually it would be RED. Art. 32.1 (quotation/fragments for research) remains RED. Art. 32.2 (aggregation/press snippets) is not research-relevant. The most permissive exception for a general researcher remains Art. 31.2 (private copy excluding databases, computer programs, certain on-demand works) → ORANGE. Art. 32.3 is notable because it covers sharing (distribution and communication) but only of small fragments, so it does not upgrade the overall classification. The overall color remains ORANGE.

Exceptions considered

Art. 31.220%Private UseMost permissive

Private copy: reproduction on any medium by natural person for private use, excluding electronic databases, computer programs, and certain on-demand works

Art. 32.10%Quotation

Quotation: inclusion of fragments of works for quotation, analysis, commentary, teaching or research

Art. 32.30%Research

Reproduction, distribution and communication of small fragments by university/public research organization personnel for scientific research

Art. 34.280%Research

Reproduction of databases for scientific research, non-commercial

Art. 37(1)40%Library Institutional

Reproduction by public/cultural/scientific libraries, archives, museums for research or conservation

Art. 37(3)40%Library Institutional

Communication via closed internal network on specialized terminals in library/archive premises for research

Original text

English rendering

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Real Decreto-ley 24/2021, de 2 de noviembre, de transposición de directivas de la Unión Europea en las que se modifican diversas leyes

Relevant update · Effective 2021-11-04

20%

Relevant section: Art. 67 (new), Art. 32.1, Art. 37

Dates: Effective 2021-11-04 · Enacted 2021-11-02

Why this score

RDL 24/2021 transposed EU Directives 2019/790 (DSM Directive) and 2019/789 into Spanish law. It introduced Art. 67 (TDM for research organizations and cultural heritage institutions — reproduction and extraction only, not communication/sharing, limited to specific institutions → PURPLE individually) and Art. 67 bis (general TDM exception for any user — reproduction and extraction, but subject to rights-holder opt-out, and covers only reproduction/extraction, not communication → BLUE individually). Neither TDM provision explicitly covers communication/sharing of results beyond retention of copies. The most permissive exception overall: Art. 67 bis permits reproduction and extraction of full works (including databases and computer programs) by any user for TDM, which is broader than Art. 31.2 (which excludes databases and computer programs). However, Art. 67 bis only covers reproduction and extraction, not sharing/communication. Art. 67 bis applies to all works and all users (subject to opt-out) but only reproduction → BLUE. This is more permissive than ORANGE (Art. 31.2 which excluded work categories). However, Art. 67 bis is subject to rights-holder opt-out for online content, which is a significant limitation. Still, the opt-out is a classification-neutral proportionality qualifier and does not change the color per the rules. Art. 67 bis covers reproduction of full works by any user → BLUE. Reassessing: Art. 67 bis permits 'reproductions and extractions' of works for TDM by any user with lawful access. It covers all types of works. It does not cover communication/sharing. It is open to any user. This is BLUE (reproduction of full works, all works, all users, no sharing). This is more permissive than ORANGE. The overall classification upgrades to BLUE.

Exceptions considered

Art. 67 bis80%TdmMost permissive

General TDM exception: reproductions and extractions of works for text and data mining by any user with lawful access, subject to rights-holder opt-out

Art. 6740%Tdm

TDM for research: reproductions and extractions by research organizations and cultural heritage institutions for scientific research TDM, no opt-out, contract override protection

Art. 31.220%Private Use

Private copy: reproduction by natural person for private use, excluding electronic databases, computer programs, certain on-demand works

Art. 32.10%Quotation

Quotation: fragments for teaching or research

Art. 32.30%Research

Small fragments for scientific research by university/public research organization personnel

Art. 34.280%Research

Reproduction of databases for scientific research

Art. 37(1)40%Library Institutional

Reproduction by libraries/archives for research or conservation

Art. 37(3)40%Library Institutional

Communication via closed internal network on specialized terminals for research

Original text

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Texto Refundido de la Ley de Propiedad Intelectual (Real Decreto Legislativo 1/1996), versión consolidada vigente en 2025

Current law confirmation · Effective 2025-01-01

80%

Relevant section: Art. 31.2, Art. 32, Art. 34.2, Art. 37, Art. 67, Art. 67 bis

Dates: Effective 2025-01-01

Why this score

As of 2025, the consolidated TRLPI contains the following research-relevant exceptions: Art. 31.2 (private copy, excluding databases/computer programs/certain on-demand works — ORANGE); Art. 32.1 (quotation/fragments for research — RED); Art. 32.3 (small fragments for scientific research by university/public research personnel — RED); Art. 34.2 (database reproduction for scientific research — BLUE); Art. 37(1) (institutional reproduction for research — PURPLE); Art. 37(3) (on-premises terminal consultation for research — PURPLE); Art. 67 (TDM by research organizations/cultural heritage institutions — PURPLE); Art. 67 bis (general TDM for any user — BLUE). The most permissive exception is Art. 67 bis, which permits reproduction and extraction of full works of all types by any user with lawful access for TDM purposes. It does not cover communication/sharing. It applies to all works and all users (subject to opt-out). This maps to BLUE. Classification-neutral factors (opt-out mechanism, lawful access requirement, retention provisions) were not factored into the color. No broader fair use or fair dealing clause exists in Spanish law that would yield GREEN.

Exceptions considered

Art. 67 bis80%TdmMost permissive

General TDM exception: reproductions and extractions of works for text and data mining by any user with lawful access, subject to rights-holder opt-out

Art. 6740%Tdm

TDM for research: reproductions and extractions by research organizations and cultural heritage institutions for scientific research, no opt-out, contract override

Art. 31.220%Private Use

Private copy: reproduction by natural person for private use, excluding electronic databases, computer programs, certain on-demand works

Art. 32.10%Quotation

Quotation: fragments for teaching or research

Art. 32.30%Research

Small fragments for scientific research by university/public research organization personnel, covering reproduction, distribution and communication

Art. 34.280%Research

Reproduction of databases for scientific research, non-commercial

Art. 37(1)40%Library Institutional

Reproduction by libraries/archives for research or conservation

Art. 37(3)40%Library Institutional

Communication via closed internal network on specialized terminals for research

Original text

English rendering

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