Selected year snapshot
For 2024, the active event in this file is Tekijänoikeuslaki (404/1961, as amended up to 1216/2023).
80%
Current rationale
As of 2025, the Finnish Copyright Act (404/1961, as amended up to 1216/2023) contains the following research-relevant exceptions: (1) Section 13b – general TDM exception permitting any person to make reproductions and extractions for TDM purposes (subject to rights-holder opt-out); covers all work types, all users, but reproduction/extraction only (not communication/sharing) → BLUE. (2) Section 13a – TDM for scientific research by research organisations and cultural heritage institutions; no opt-out; reproduction/extraction only → PURPLE (institutional restriction). (3) Section 12 – private copying by natural persons for private use; excludes computer programs, machine-readable databases, architectural works, artistic reproduction → ORANGE. (4) Section 16d – library/archive/museum copying for patrons for research or private study → PURPLE. (5) Section 22 – quotation right → RED. The most permissive exception is Section 13b (BLUE): it permits reproduction of full works of any type by any user for TDM, but does not cover sharing/communication. This determines the overall classification as BLUE. The rights-holder opt-out in Section 13b and the lawful-access requirement are classification-neutral per the rules. No exception in Finnish law permits both reproduction AND sharing/communication for research by any user, so GREEN is not reached.
Exceptions considered
Any person may make reproductions and extractions of lawfully accessed works for TDM purposes, unless the right holder has expressly reserved the right to prohibit this. Covers reproduction only.
Research organisations and cultural heritage institutions may make reproductions and extractions for scientific research TDM. No opt-out. Reproduction only.
A natural person may make a few copies of a published work for private use, excluding computer programs, machine-readable databases, architectural works, artistic reproduction of art.
Archives, libraries and museums may make copies for patrons for research or private study.
Reproduction for educational purposes (teaching use) under certain conditions.
Quotation from a published work in accordance with proper usage and to the extent necessary for the purpose.
Law changes
Tekijänoikeuslaki (404/1961)
Baseline · Effective 1990-01-01
60%
Relevant section: Section 11, Section 12, Section 16
Dates: Effective 1990-01-01 · Enacted 1984-06-08
Why this score
As of 1990-01-01, the Finnish Copyright Act (404/1961, as amended through 442/1984) contained a private-use copying exception in Section 12 permitting 'anyone' to make 'a few copies of a published work for his private use,' and a library/archive exception in Section 16. Section 12 is the most permissive research-relevant exception: it covers reproduction of full works of any type by any individual for private use, but it does not cover sharing/communication and is limited to 'private use,' restricting the beneficiary to individuals acting privately. The library exception (Section 16) is institutional only and narrower in user scope. The quotation right (Section 22) only permits excerpts. There is no general fair dealing, fair use, or open research exception. The private-use exception determines the classification as LIGHT BLUE: full-work reproduction is permitted for any work type by individuals for private purposes (including private study/research), but no sharing is authorized and the use must be private. The non-commercial nature of 'private use' is classification-neutral.
Exceptions considered
Anyone may make a few copies of a published work for private use; copies may not be used for other purposes.
Published works may be reproduced for use in the activities of libraries and archives as provided by decree.
Quotation from a published work in accordance with proper usage and to the extent necessary for the purpose.
English rendering
[Unofficial translation]: Section 12 (442/1984): Anyone may make a few copies of a published work for his private use. Such copies may not be used for other purposes. Section 16 (442/1984): Published works may be reproduced for use in the activities of libraries and archives in accordance with more detailed provisions to be issued by decree.
Source links
Laki tekijänoikeuslain muuttamisesta (446/1995)
Relevant update · Effective 1995-05-01
20%
Relevant section: Section 12
Dates: Effective 1995-05-01 · Enacted 1995-03-24
Why this score
The 1995 amendment to Section 12 introduced explicit exclusions from the private copying right: computer programs, machine-readable compilations/databases, architectural works, and artistic reproduction of works of art. This means that while full-work reproduction for private use (including private study/research) remains available for most categories of works (literary works, musical works, audiovisual works, etc.), specific categories are now carved out. The exception still covers reproduction only (not sharing/communication) and is limited to private use. Because full-work reproduction is permitted for at least some types of works but not all, this moves the classification from LIGHT BLUE to ORANGE. The library exception in Section 16 remains in force but is narrower (institutional only). The quotation right in Section 22 remains but only covers excerpts. Section 12 remains the most permissive exception for research use, but its new work-type exclusions make it ORANGE.
Exceptions considered
Anyone may make a few copies of a published work for private use, but NOT: computer programs, machine-readable compilations/databases, architectural works, or artistic reproduction of works of art.
Published works may be reproduced for use in the activities of libraries and archives as provided by decree.
Quotation from a published work in accordance with proper usage and to the extent necessary for the purpose.
English rendering
[Unofficial translation]: Section 12 (446/1995): (1) Anyone may make a few copies of a published work for his private use. Such copies may not be used for other purposes. (2) The provisions of subsection 1 shall not apply to: 1) the making of copies of a computer program; 2) the making of copies of a compilation or database in machine-readable form; 3) the construction of a work of architecture; 4) the making of copies of a work by artistic reproduction or by any other similar process, where the purpose is to make a work of art.
Source links
Laki tekijänoikeuslain muuttamisesta (821/2005)
Relevant update · Effective 2006-01-01
20%
Relevant section: Section 12, Section 16, Section 16a, Section 16b, Section 16c, Section 16d
Dates: Effective 2006-01-01 · Enacted 2005-10-14
Why this score
The 2005 amendment (transposing EU Directive 2001/29/EC, the InfoSoc Directive) refined the private copying exception in Section 12 by clarifying that only 'a natural person' (not legal entities) may make copies for private use, and expanded the library/archive/museum exceptions in new Sections 16a-16d. Section 16d(1)(3) specifically allows libraries, archives, and museums to make copies for patrons for 'research or private study.' The private-use exception in Section 12 retains the same work-type exclusions (computer programs, machine-readable databases, architectural works, artistic reproduction). The library exception in Section 16d adds an institutional research copying right but is limited to institutions. The most permissive exception for a general user remains Section 12, which permits full-work reproduction for private use but excludes certain work categories. Classification remains ORANGE due to the work-type exclusions in Section 12. The institutional exception (Section 16d) would be PURPLE on its own but does not override the ORANGE classification from Section 12.
Exceptions considered
A natural person may make a few copies of a published work for private use, excluding computer programs, machine-readable databases, architectural works, and artistic reproduction of art.
Archives, libraries and museums may make copies for patrons for research or private study.
Libraries may lend copies of works to the public.
Archives, libraries and museums may make copies for preservation and restoration purposes.
Archives, libraries and museums may make works available on dedicated terminals on their premises.
Quotation from a published work in accordance with proper usage and to the extent necessary for the purpose.
English rendering
[Unofficial translation]: Section 12 (821/2005): (1) A natural person may make a few copies of a published work for his or her private use. Such copies may not be used for other purposes. (2) The provisions of subsection 1 shall not apply to: 1) the making of copies of a computer program; 2) the making of copies of a compilation or database in machine-readable form; 3) the construction of a work of architecture; 4) the making of copies of a work by artistic reproduction or by any other similar process, where the purpose is to make a work of art. Section 16d (821/2005): (1) Archives, libraries and museums open to the public may, for the purposes of their activities: ... 3) make copies of works in their collections for the use of their patrons for purposes of research or private study...
Source links
Laki tekijänoikeuslain muuttamisesta (607/2015)
Relevant update · Effective 2015-06-01
20%
Relevant section: Section 12, Section 14
Dates: Effective 2015-06-01 · Enacted 2015-05-22
Why this score
The 2015 amendment (607/2015) made various updates to the Copyright Act but did not fundamentally change the scope of the private-use exception in Section 12 regarding work-type exclusions. The exclusions for computer programs, machine-readable databases, architectural works, and artistic reproduction remain. Section 12(3) clarifies restrictions on having copies made by another person (works of art and musical scores by writing). The overall classification remains ORANGE because full-work reproduction is permitted for most work types but specific categories remain excluded. No new general research exception, fair dealing, or TDM exception was introduced.
Exceptions considered
A natural person may make a few copies of a published work for private use, excluding computer programs, machine-readable databases, architectural works, artistic reproduction of art; additional restrictions on copies made by another person for works of art and musical scores.
Archives, libraries and museums may make copies for patrons for research or private study.
Reproduction for educational purposes under certain conditions (teaching use).
Quotation from a published work in accordance with proper usage and to the extent necessary for the purpose.
English rendering
[Unofficial translation]: Section 12 (607/2015): (1) A natural person may make a few copies of a published work for his or her private use. The copies may not be used for other purposes. (2) The provisions of subsection 1 shall not apply to: 1) the making of copies of a computer program; 2) the making of copies of a compilation or database in machine-readable form; 3) the construction of a work of architecture; 4) the making of copies of a work by artistic reproduction or by any other similar process, where the purpose is to make a work of art. (3) The provisions of subsection 1 shall not apply to the making of copies by another person for private use, where the making of copies involves a work of art or where a musical score is reproduced by writing. However, copies of a work of art may be made for private use by means of a printing process or a similar process.
Source links
Laki tekijänoikeuslain muuttamisesta (306/2023)
Relevant update · Effective 2023-04-03
20%
Relevant section: Section 13a, Section 13b, Section 12
Dates: Effective 2023-04-03 · Enacted 2023-03-03
Why this score
The 2023 reform (Act 306/2023, entering into force 3 April 2023) transposed the EU DSM Directive (2019/790) into Finnish law, introducing two new TDM exceptions: Section 13a (TDM for scientific research by research organisations and cultural heritage institutions – no opt-out possible) and Section 13b (general TDM for any user – subject to rights-holder opt-out). Evaluating the new exceptions: Section 13a covers 'reproductions and extractions' (reproduction only, not communication/sharing) for scientific research, but is limited to research organisations and cultural heritage institutions (PURPLE on user dimension). Section 13b covers 'reproductions and extractions' for TDM by any user (broader user scope), but is subject to rights-holder opt-out and covers reproduction only, not communication/sharing. Section 13b on its own would be BLUE (reproduction of full works, any user, any work type, but no sharing). However, the pre-existing Section 12 private-use exception remains in force with its work-type exclusions (computer programs, machine-readable databases, architectural works, artistic reproduction). Comparing: Section 13b (BLUE – reproduction only, all works, all users) is more permissive than Section 12 (ORANGE – reproduction only, excludes certain work types, natural persons only). But Section 13b is limited to TDM purposes specifically, not general research reproduction. For general research copying (not TDM), Section 12 remains the most permissive general exception and is ORANGE. For TDM specifically, Section 13b is BLUE. The overall most permissive exception for research use is now Section 13b (BLUE for TDM) since TDM is a research use. However, Section 13b only covers 'reproductions and extractions' for TDM – it does not cover sharing/communication. The rights-holder opt-out in Section 13b is classification-neutral per the instructions (it is analogous to a contractual/licensing condition). Actually, re-evaluating: the opt-out in Section 13b means rights holders can prohibit the use entirely. This is not merely a remuneration or contractual override issue – it is a substantive limitation on the exception's scope. However, per the classification rules, contract-override protections do not change the color. The opt-out is part of the statutory design of the exception itself, not a contractual override. This is a genuine statutory limitation. Nevertheless, the exception exists and permits TDM reproduction when not opted out. For the color classification, I assess based on what the exception permits when it applies. Section 13b permits reproduction of full works of any type by any user for TDM, but not sharing. This is BLUE. Since BLUE is more permissive than ORANGE, the overall classification improves to BLUE.
Exceptions considered
Any person may make reproductions and extractions of lawfully accessed works for TDM purposes, unless the right holder has expressly reserved the right to prohibit this. Covers reproduction only, not communication/sharing.
Research organisations and cultural heritage institutions may make reproductions and extractions for scientific research TDM. No opt-out by rights holders. Reproduction only.
A natural person may make a few copies of a published work for private use, excluding computer programs, machine-readable databases, architectural works, artistic reproduction of art.
Archives, libraries and museums may make copies for patrons for research or private study.
Quotation from a published work in accordance with proper usage and to the extent necessary for the purpose.
English rendering
[Unofficial translation]: Section 13a (306/2023) – Text and data mining for the purposes of scientific research: (1) Reproductions and extractions of lawfully accessed works may be made for the purposes of text and data mining by research organisations and cultural heritage institutions in order to carry out scientific research. (2) Copies made under subsection 1 shall be stored with an appropriate level of security and may be retained for the purposes of scientific research, including for the verification of research results. (3) The right holder may not prohibit the uses referred to in this section. Section 13b (306/2023) – Text and data mining: (1) Reproductions and extractions of lawfully accessed works may be made for the purposes of text and data mining. (2) The copies referred to in subsection 1 may be retained for as long as is necessary for the purposes of text and data mining. (3) The provisions of subsection 1 shall not apply where the right holder has expressly reserved the right to prohibit reproductions and extractions in an appropriate manner.
Source links
Tekijänoikeuslaki (404/1961, as amended up to 1216/2023)
Current law confirmation · Effective 2024-01-01
80%
Relevant section: Section 12, Section 13a, Section 13b, Section 16d, Section 22
Dates: Effective 2024-01-01 · Enacted 2023-12-14
Why this score
As of 2025, the Finnish Copyright Act (404/1961, as amended up to 1216/2023) contains the following research-relevant exceptions: (1) Section 13b – general TDM exception permitting any person to make reproductions and extractions for TDM purposes (subject to rights-holder opt-out); covers all work types, all users, but reproduction/extraction only (not communication/sharing) → BLUE. (2) Section 13a – TDM for scientific research by research organisations and cultural heritage institutions; no opt-out; reproduction/extraction only → PURPLE (institutional restriction). (3) Section 12 – private copying by natural persons for private use; excludes computer programs, machine-readable databases, architectural works, artistic reproduction → ORANGE. (4) Section 16d – library/archive/museum copying for patrons for research or private study → PURPLE. (5) Section 22 – quotation right → RED. The most permissive exception is Section 13b (BLUE): it permits reproduction of full works of any type by any user for TDM, but does not cover sharing/communication. This determines the overall classification as BLUE. The rights-holder opt-out in Section 13b and the lawful-access requirement are classification-neutral per the rules. No exception in Finnish law permits both reproduction AND sharing/communication for research by any user, so GREEN is not reached.
Exceptions considered
Any person may make reproductions and extractions of lawfully accessed works for TDM purposes, unless the right holder has expressly reserved the right to prohibit this. Covers reproduction only.
Research organisations and cultural heritage institutions may make reproductions and extractions for scientific research TDM. No opt-out. Reproduction only.
A natural person may make a few copies of a published work for private use, excluding computer programs, machine-readable databases, architectural works, artistic reproduction of art.
Archives, libraries and museums may make copies for patrons for research or private study.
Reproduction for educational purposes (teaching use) under certain conditions.
Quotation from a published work in accordance with proper usage and to the extent necessary for the purpose.
English rendering
[Unofficial translation]: Section 13a (306/2023): (1) Reproductions and extractions of lawfully accessed works may be made for the purposes of text and data mining by research organisations and cultural heritage institutions in order to carry out scientific research. (2) Copies made under subsection 1 shall be stored with an appropriate level of security and may be retained for the purposes of scientific research, including for the verification of research results. (3) The right holder may not prohibit the uses referred to in this section. Section 13b (306/2023): (1) Reproductions and extractions of lawfully accessed works may be made for the purposes of text and data mining. (2) The copies referred to in subsection 1 may be retained for as long as is necessary for the purposes of text and data mining. (3) The provisions of subsection 1 shall not apply where the right holder has expressly reserved the right to prohibit reproductions and extractions in an appropriate manner. Section 12 (607/2015): (1) A natural person may make a few copies of a published work for his or her private use. The copies may not be used for other purposes. (2) Subsection 1 shall not apply to: 1) the making of copies of a computer program; 2) the making of copies of a compilation or database in machine-readable form; 3) the construction of a work of architecture; 4) the making of copies of a work by artistic reproduction or by any other similar process, where the purpose is to make a work of art.