Selected year snapshot
For 1993, the active event in this file is Baseline.
?
Current rationale
Liechtenstein's current copyright law (URG) entered into force on 1 December 1999, replacing earlier legislation. The law in force on 1990-01-01 was the older Liechtenstein copyright regime. Despite extensive web searching, I was unable to locate or verify the full statutory text of the copyright law in force in Liechtenstein on 1990-01-01. Liechtenstein's official legal database (gesetze.li) and WIPO Lex do not appear to host the pre-1999 copyright statute text online. Without access to the actual statutory text, I cannot identify the exceptions and limitations that were in force, nor classify them. The status is therefore AMBIGUOUS due to inability to verify the statutory text.
Law changes
Baseline
Baseline · Effective 1990-01-01
?
Dates: Effective 1990-01-01
Why this score
Liechtenstein's current copyright law (URG) entered into force on 1 December 1999, replacing earlier legislation. The law in force on 1990-01-01 was the older Liechtenstein copyright regime. Despite extensive web searching, I was unable to locate or verify the full statutory text of the copyright law in force in Liechtenstein on 1990-01-01. Liechtenstein's official legal database (gesetze.li) and WIPO Lex do not appear to host the pre-1999 copyright statute text online. Without access to the actual statutory text, I cannot identify the exceptions and limitations that were in force, nor classify them. The status is therefore AMBIGUOUS due to inability to verify the statutory text.
Gesetz vom 19. Mai 1999 über das Urheberrecht und verwandte Schutzrechte (Urheberrechtsgesetz, URG)
Relevant update · Effective 1999-12-01
20%
Relevant section: Art. 19, Art. 22, Art. 24, Art. 25
Dates: Effective 1999-12-01 · Enacted 1999-05-19
Why this score
The URG entered into force on 1 December 1999. Art. 19 is the most permissive research-relevant exception. It permits 'Eigengebrauch' (private use) of published works. Within the personal/private circle (Art. 19(1)(a)), full-work reproduction is permitted without restriction on work type. However, outside the private circle — including for institutional/internal use under Art. 19(1)(c) — Art. 19(3) prohibits: (a) complete or substantially complete reproduction of commercially available works, (b) reproduction of works of visual art, (c) reproduction of graphic recordings of musical works, and (d) recording of performances. Art. 19(4) excludes computer programs entirely. For a researcher acting privately (Art. 19(1)(a)), full-work reproduction of any type is permitted (this would be LIGHT BLUE — private/personal use only, reproduction only, no sharing). For institutional use (Art. 19(1)(c)), reproduction is permitted but with significant work-type exclusions (no complete commercially available works, no visual art, no music scores, no computer programs). Art. 22 (quotation right) permits quotation of published works to the extent justified by the purpose — this is limited to excerpts/quotations (RED individually). Art. 24 permits reproduction for archival/backup purposes by libraries and similar institutions. Art. 25 permits use for reporting on current events. The most permissive exception for research is Art. 19(1)(a) for private/personal use: it permits full-work reproduction of all work types (including those excluded under Art. 19(3)), but only within the personal sphere. It does not authorize sharing/communication. This is LIGHT BLUE individually. However, examining Art. 19(1)(c) for institutional research use: it permits reproduction for internal information/documentation but excludes complete commercially available works, visual art, music scores, and computer programs. This exclusion of specific work categories makes it ORANGE individually. Taking the most permissive exception overall: Art. 19(1)(a) permits full-work reproduction of all types of works but is restricted to private/personal use and reproduction only (no sharing). This is LIGHT BLUE. But I must also consider that Art. 19(3) restrictions only apply 'outside the private circle' — meaning within the private circle (Art. 19(1)(a)), a researcher CAN reproduce full works of any type. However, Art. 19(4) excludes computer programs from the entire article, including private use. This exclusion of computer programs from even private use means that for the most permissive exception (Art. 19(1)(a)), there is a work-type exclusion (computer programs). Since full-work reproduction is permitted for all types except computer programs, and this is restricted to private/personal use, the compound restriction analysis: user restriction (private = LIGHT BLUE) and work restriction (excludes computer programs = ORANGE). The most restrictive element is ORANGE. Classification-neutral factors (non-commercial restriction, remuneration) were not factored into the decision.
Exceptions considered
Private/personal use: permits use of published works in the personal sphere and circle of closely connected persons. Full-work reproduction permitted. But Art. 19(4) excludes computer programs entirely from Art. 19.
Teacher use for classroom instruction. Subject to Art. 19(3) restrictions outside private circle.
Institutional reproduction for internal information/documentation in enterprises, public administrations, institutes, etc. Subject to Art. 19(3) restrictions (no complete commercially available works, no visual art, no music scores) and Art. 19(4) (no computer programs).
Quotation right: permits quotation of published works to the extent justified by the purpose. Limited to excerpts/quotations.
Reproduction for archival and backup purposes by libraries, archives, and similar institutions.
Use for reporting on current events.
Original text
Art. 19 Verwendung zum Eigengebrauch 1) Veröffentlichte Werke dürfen zum Eigengebrauch verwendet werden. Als Eigengebrauch gilt: a) jede Werkverwendung im persönlichen Bereich und im Kreis von Personen, die unter sich eng verbunden sind, wie Verwandte oder Freunde; b) jede Werkverwendung der Lehrperson für den Unterricht in der Klasse; c) das Vervielfältigen von Werkexemplaren in Betrieben, öffentlichen Verwaltungen, Instituten, Kommissionen und ähnlichen Einrichtungen für die interne Information oder Dokumentation. 2) Wer zum Eigengebrauch berechtigt ist, darf unter Vorbehalt von Abs. 3 die dazu erforderlichen Vervielfältigungen auch durch Dritte herstellen lassen; als Dritte im Sinne dieses Absatzes gelten auch Bibliotheken, andere öffentliche Institutionen und Geschäftsbetriebe, die ihren Benützerinnen Kopiergeräte zur Verfügung stellen. 3) Ausserhalb des privaten Kreises nach Abs. 1 Bst. a sind nicht zulässig: a) die vollständige oder weitgehend vollständige Vervielfältigung von im Handel erhältlichen Werkexemplaren; b) die Vervielfältigung von Werken der bildenden Kunst; c) die Vervielfältigung von graphischen Aufzeichnungen von Werken der Musik; d) die Aufnahme von Vorträgen, Aufführungen oder Vorführungen eines Werkes auf Ton-, Tonbild- oder Datenträger. 4) Dieser Artikel findet auf Computerprogramme keine Anwendung.
English rendering
[Unofficial translation]: Art. 19 Use for private purposes 1) Published works may be used for private purposes. Private purposes means: a) any use of a work in the personal sphere and within a circle of persons closely connected to each other, such as relatives or friends; b) any use of a work by a teacher for classroom instruction; c) the reproduction of copies of works in enterprises, public administrations, institutes, commissions and similar bodies for internal information or documentation. 2) A person entitled to private use may, subject to para. 3, also have the necessary reproductions made by third parties; third parties within the meaning of this paragraph also include libraries, other public institutions and businesses that make copying equipment available to their users. 3) Outside the private circle under para. 1 lit. a, the following are not permitted: a) the complete or substantially complete reproduction of copies of works available in commerce; b) the reproduction of works of visual art; c) the reproduction of graphic recordings of musical works; d) the recording of lectures, performances or presentations of a work on sound, audiovisual or data carriers. 4) This article does not apply to computer programs.
Source links
Gesetz vom 25. Oktober 2006 über die Abänderung des Urheberrechtsgesetzes
Relevant update · Effective 2006-12-19
20%
Relevant section: Art. 19, Art. 22, Art. 24a (new), Art. 24b (new)
Dates: Effective 2006-12-19 · Enacted 2006-10-25
Why this score
The 2006 amendment to the URG (LGBl 2006 Nr. 290) transposed elements of the EU Information Society Directive (2001/29/EC) into Liechtenstein law via the EEA Agreement. The amendment introduced Art. 24a (making available on dedicated terminals in libraries) and Art. 24b (ephemeral recordings by broadcasting organizations), and made adjustments to existing provisions. However, the core private use exception in Art. 19 remained substantively the same, including the exclusion of computer programs (Art. 19(4)) and the restrictions in Art. 19(3) for use outside the private circle. No TDM exception was introduced. The overall classification remains ORANGE for the same reasons as the 1999 baseline: Art. 19(1)(a) permits full-work reproduction in the private sphere but excludes computer programs (Art. 19(4)), creating a work-type exclusion.
Exceptions considered
Private/personal use: permits use of published works in the personal sphere. Full-work reproduction permitted but computer programs excluded by Art. 19(4).
Institutional reproduction for internal information/documentation. Subject to Art. 19(3) and (4) restrictions.
Quotation right.
Archival reproduction by libraries and similar institutions.
Making available on dedicated terminals on premises of libraries, museums, archives for research or private study. Limited to on-premises terminal access only.
Source links
Gesetz vom 4. Mai 2016 über die Abänderung des Urheberrechtsgesetzes
Relevant update · Effective 2016-06-01
20%
Relevant section: Art. 19, Art. 24d (new), Art. 24e (new)
Dates: Effective 2016-06-01 · Enacted 2016-05-04
Why this score
The 2016 amendment (LGBl 2016 Nr. 217) introduced provisions related to orphan works (Art. 24d, 24e) transposing EU Directive 2012/28/EU via the EEA Agreement. These provisions allow certain cultural heritage institutions to use orphan works for their public-interest missions, including digitization. However, these are limited to specific institutional users and specific categories of works (published works in the collections of libraries, educational establishments, museums, archives, film/audio heritage institutions, and public-service broadcasting organizations). The core private use exception in Art. 19 remained unchanged. No TDM exception was introduced. The overall classification remains ORANGE: Art. 19(1)(a) permits full-work reproduction in the private sphere but excludes computer programs (Art. 19(4)).
Exceptions considered
Private/personal use: permits use of published works in the personal sphere. Full-work reproduction permitted but computer programs excluded by Art. 19(4).
Institutional reproduction for internal information/documentation. Subject to Art. 19(3) and (4) restrictions.
Quotation right.
Making available on dedicated terminals on premises of libraries, museums, archives.
Use of orphan works by cultural heritage institutions for public-interest missions.
Source links
Gesetz vom 2. September 2021 über die Abänderung des Urheberrechtsgesetzes
Relevant update · Effective 2021-11-01
20%
Relevant section: Art. 19, Art. 24f (new), Art. 24g (new)
Dates: Effective 2021-11-01 · Enacted 2021-09-02
Why this score
The 2021 amendment (LGBl 2021 Nr. 341) transposed elements of the EU DSM Directive (2019/790) into Liechtenstein law via the EEA Agreement. This amendment is expected to have introduced TDM-related provisions (Art. 24f and/or Art. 24g), following the pattern of Art. 3 and Art. 4 of the DSM Directive. However, I was unable to retrieve and verify the full verbatim text of these new provisions. Based on the DSM Directive pattern, Art. 24f likely permits TDM by research organisations and cultural heritage institutions for scientific research purposes (reproduction and extraction), and Art. 24g likely permits TDM by any person with lawful access for reproduction and extraction, subject to rights-holder opt-out. Even if a TDM exception covering reproduction was introduced, the pre-existing Art. 19(1)(a) private use exception (ORANGE due to computer program exclusion) would remain the baseline for general research use. If the TDM provisions follow the DSM Directive model, they would cover reproduction and extraction for TDM purposes but the scope regarding sharing/communication is typically limited. Without verified text, I maintain ORANGE as the classification, noting that the TDM provisions may have improved the position for computational research specifically but the overall most permissive general research exception (Art. 19(1)(a)) still excludes computer programs. The version effective 01.11.2021 is shown on gesetze.li.
Exceptions considered
Private/personal use: permits use of published works in the personal sphere. Full-work reproduction permitted but computer programs excluded by Art. 19(4).
Institutional reproduction for internal information/documentation. Subject to Art. 19(3) and (4) restrictions.
Quotation right.
TDM for scientific research by research organisations and cultural heritage institutions (presumed based on DSM Directive transposition). Likely covers reproduction and extraction for TDM. Institutional restriction.
General TDM exception for any person with lawful access (presumed based on DSM Directive transposition). Likely covers reproduction and extraction, subject to rights-holder opt-out. Reproduction only, no sharing.
Source links
Gesetz vom 19. Mai 1999 über das Urheberrecht und verwandte Schutzrechte (Urheberrechtsgesetz, URG), as amended through 2021
Current law confirmation · Effective 2021-11-01
20%
Relevant section: Art. 19, Art. 22, Art. 24, Art. 24a, Art. 24d-24e, Art. 24f-24g (presumed)
Dates: Effective 2021-11-01
Why this score
As of 2025, the Liechtenstein URG as last amended in 2021 remains in force. The most permissive general research-relevant exception is Art. 19(1)(a), which permits full-work reproduction within the personal/private sphere for any type of published work — except computer programs, which are excluded by Art. 19(4). This exclusion of an entire category of works (computer programs) from even private use means the exception cannot be classified as LIGHT BLUE (which requires all work types). The classification is ORANGE because full-work reproduction is permitted for most types of works but not for computer programs. The exception is limited to reproduction (no sharing/communication) and to private/personal use. Art. 19(1)(c) permits institutional reproduction for internal documentation but with additional restrictions under Art. 19(3) (no complete commercially available works, no visual art, no music scores). The 2021 amendment likely introduced TDM provisions transposing the DSM Directive, but their exact text could not be verified. Even if a general TDM exception (BLUE) exists, the pre-existing Art. 19(1)(a) for general research reproduction would still be the most permissive for non-TDM research, and its ORANGE classification (due to computer program exclusion) would apply. If the TDM exception covers all works including computer programs for TDM purposes specifically, it could be BLUE for TDM use, but the overall classification for general research use remains ORANGE. Classification-neutral factors (non-commercial restriction, remuneration/levy, lawful access requirements) were not factored into the decision.
Exceptions considered
Private/personal use: permits use of published works in the personal sphere and circle of closely connected persons. Full-work reproduction permitted for all work types except computer programs (excluded by Art. 19(4)).
Teacher use for classroom instruction. Subject to Art. 19(3) and (4) restrictions.
Institutional reproduction for internal information/documentation. Subject to Art. 19(3) (no complete commercially available works, no visual art, no music scores) and Art. 19(4) (no computer programs).
Quotation right: permits quotation of published works to the extent justified by the purpose. Limited to excerpts.
Archival reproduction by libraries and similar institutions.
Making available on dedicated terminals on premises of libraries, museums, archives for research or private study.
Use of orphan works by cultural heritage institutions.
TDM for scientific research by research organisations and cultural heritage institutions (presumed DSM Directive transposition). Institutional restriction.
General TDM exception for any person with lawful access (presumed DSM Directive transposition). Reproduction and extraction only, subject to opt-out.
Original text
Art. 19 Verwendung zum Eigengebrauch 1) Veröffentlichte Werke dürfen zum Eigengebrauch verwendet werden. Als Eigengebrauch gilt: a) jede Werkverwendung im persönlichen Bereich und im Kreis von Personen, die unter sich eng verbunden sind, wie Verwandte oder Freunde; b) jede Werkverwendung der Lehrperson für den Unterricht in der Klasse; c) das Vervielfältigen von Werkexemplaren in Betrieben, öffentlichen Verwaltungen, Instituten, Kommissionen und ähnlichen Einrichtungen für die interne Information oder Dokumentation. 2) Wer zum Eigengebrauch berechtigt ist, darf unter Vorbehalt von Abs. 3 die dazu erforderlichen Vervielfältigungen auch durch Dritte herstellen lassen; als Dritte im Sinne dieses Absatzes gelten auch Bibliotheken, andere öffentliche Institutionen und Geschäftsbetriebe, die ihren Benützerinnen Kopiergeräte zur Verfügung stellen. 3) Ausserhalb des privaten Kreises nach Abs. 1 Bst. a sind nicht zulässig: a) die vollständige oder weitgehend vollständige Vervielfältigung von im Handel erhältlichen Werkexemplaren; b) die Vervielfältigung von Werken der bildenden Kunst; c) die Vervielfältigung von graphischen Aufzeichnungen von Werken der Musik; d) die Aufnahme von Vorträgen, Aufführungen oder Vorführungen eines Werkes auf Ton-, Tonbild- oder Datenträger. 4) Dieser Artikel findet auf Computerprogramme keine Anwendung.
English rendering
[Unofficial translation]: Art. 19 Use for private purposes 1) Published works may be used for private purposes. Private purposes means: a) any use of a work in the personal sphere and within a circle of persons closely connected to each other, such as relatives or friends; b) any use of a work by a teacher for classroom instruction; c) the reproduction of copies of works in enterprises, public administrations, institutes, commissions and similar bodies for internal information or documentation. 2) A person entitled to private use may, subject to para. 3, also have the necessary reproductions made by third parties; third parties within the meaning of this paragraph also include libraries, other public institutions and businesses that make copying equipment available to their users. 3) Outside the private circle under para. 1 lit. a, the following are not permitted: a) the complete or substantially complete reproduction of copies of works available in commerce; b) the reproduction of works of visual art; c) the reproduction of graphic recordings of musical works; d) the recording of lectures, performances or presentations of a work on sound, audiovisual or data carriers. 4) This article does not apply to computer programs.