Selected year snapshot
For 1993, the active event in this file is Liberia Code of Laws of 1956, Title 25, Chapter 2 (Copyrights).
?
Current rationale
The copyright law in force in Liberia on 1990-01-01 was Title 25, Chapter 2 of the Liberia Code of Laws of 1956. Despite extensive web searching, the full text of this 1956 Code's copyright chapter could not be located or verified online. The 1997 Copyright Law (which replaced it) references repealing 'chapter 2 of Title 25 of the Liberia Code of Laws of 1956.' Without access to the actual statutory text, it is impossible to determine what exceptions or limitations existed for research, private study, or fair use. Classification is therefore AMBIGUOUS due to inability to verify the statutory text, not due to analytical uncertainty.
Law changes
Liberia Code of Laws of 1956, Title 25, Chapter 2 (Copyrights)
Baseline · Effective 1956-01-01
?
Dates: Effective 1956-01-01
Why this score
The copyright law in force in Liberia on 1990-01-01 was Title 25, Chapter 2 of the Liberia Code of Laws of 1956. Despite extensive web searching, the full text of this 1956 Code's copyright chapter could not be located or verified online. The 1997 Copyright Law (which replaced it) references repealing 'chapter 2 of Title 25 of the Liberia Code of Laws of 1956.' Without access to the actual statutory text, it is impossible to determine what exceptions or limitations existed for research, private study, or fair use. Classification is therefore AMBIGUOUS due to inability to verify the statutory text, not due to analytical uncertainty.
Copyright Law of the Republic of Liberia, 1997
Relevant update · Effective 1997-07-30
100%
Relevant section: Section 2.7 (Fair Use), Section 2.9 (Reproduction by Libraries and Archives), Section 2.10 (Exemption of Certain Performances and Displays), Section 2.14 (Computer Programs)
Dates: Effective 1997-07-30 · Enacted 1997-07-23
Why this score
Section 2.7 provides a general fair use exception modeled on U.S. 17 USC § 107. It explicitly lists 'scholarship, or research' as illustrative fair use purposes. The phrase 'fair use of a copyrighted work, including such use by reproduction in copies or sound recordings or by any other means specified by that section' covers reproduction and any other exclusive right under Section 2.6 (which includes reproduction, distribution, public performance, display, and derivative works). It applies to all types of works and all users — there is no restriction to private/personal use, nor to specific institutions. The four-factor test is a proportionality qualifier (classification-neutral). This is GREEN: reproduction and sharing/communication of full works for research by any user is permitted under the fair use analysis. Section 2.9 (libraries/archives) provides additional institutional copying rights but is less permissive (PURPLE). Section 2.14 (computer programs) provides backup/adaptation rights. The non-commercial factor in the four-factor test is classification-neutral per the rules.
Exceptions considered
General fair use exception covering reproduction and any other use for purposes including criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research. Open to all users and all works. Four-factor balancing test applies.
Reproduction by libraries and archives: permits reproduction of works under certain conditions for library/archive purposes including preservation and patron use.
Exemption of certain performances and displays, including face-to-face teaching activities and certain nonprofit performances.
Limitations on exclusive rights regarding computer programs: permits backup copies and adaptation for use on a machine.
Original text
SECTION: 2.7 Limitation of Exclusive Rights: Fair Use Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2.6, the fair use of a copyrighted work, including such use by reproduction in copies or sound recordings or by any other means specified by that section, for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research, is not an infringement of copyright. In determining whether the use made of a work in any particular case is a fair use the factors to be considered shall include: (1) the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes; (2) the nature of the copyrighted work; (3) the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole; and (4) the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work. The fact that a work is unpublished shall not itself bar a finding of fair use if such finding is made upon consideration of all the above factors.
Source links
Liberia Intellectual Property Act, 2016
Relevant update · Effective 2016-07-22
100%
Relevant section: Section 9.8 (Fair Use), Section 9.9 (Quotation), Section 9.10 (Private Reproduction for Personal Purposes), Section 9.12 (Reproduction and Other Utilization for Teaching), Section 9.13 (Reproduction by Libraries and Archives), Section 9.15 (Reproduction and Adaptation of Computer Programs)
Dates: Effective 2016-07-22 · Enacted 2016-06-14
Why this score
The 2016 Intellectual Property Act replaced the 1997 Copyright Law. Based on the table of contents visible in the ICT Policy Africa source, Section 9.8 is titled 'Fair Use,' indicating the continuation of a general fair use exception. The Act also includes Section 9.9 (Quotation), Section 9.10 (Private Reproduction for Personal Purposes), Section 9.11 (Temporary Reproduction), Section 9.12 (Reproduction and Other Utilization for Teaching), Section 9.13 (Reproduction by Libraries and Archives), Section 9.14 (Reproduction, Broadcasting and Other Communication to the Public for Information Purposes), Section 9.15 (Reproduction and Adaptation of Computer Programs), Section 9.16 (Visually and Aurally Impaired Persons), Section 9.17 (Ephemeral Recordings), Section 9.18 (Use for Public Security), and Section 9.19 (Compulsory Licensing). The presence of a dedicated 'Fair Use' section (9.8) strongly suggests a general fair use provision similar to or modeled on the 1997 law's Section 2.7, which was itself modeled on U.S. fair use. Given that the 1997 law had a GREEN-level fair use provision and the 2016 Act retains a 'Fair Use' section alongside expanded exceptions (including private reproduction, library reproduction, teaching, quotation, and impaired persons provisions), the classification remains GREEN. The full verbatim text of Section 9.8 could not be extracted from the available sources (only the table of contents was accessible), which is noted below.
Exceptions considered
Fair Use exception — title visible in table of contents. Based on the predecessor law and the retention of the same heading, this is presumed to be a general fair use provision covering research and scholarship, open to all users and all works.
Quotation — permits quotation from works.
Private Reproduction for Personal Purposes — permits private/personal copying.
Reproduction and Other Utilization for Teaching — permits reproduction and other uses for educational/teaching purposes.
Reproduction by Libraries and Archives — permits institutional reproduction.
Reproduction and Adaptation of Computer Programs — permits backup/adaptation of computer programs.
Source links
Liberia Intellectual Property Act, 2016
Current law confirmation · Effective 2016-07-22
100%
Relevant section: Section 9.8 (Fair Use), Section 9.9 (Quotation), Section 9.10 (Private Reproduction for Personal Purposes), Section 9.12 (Reproduction and Other Utilization for Teaching), Section 9.13 (Reproduction by Libraries and Archives), Section 9.15 (Reproduction and Adaptation of Computer Programs)
Dates: Effective 2016-07-22 · Enacted 2016-06-14
Why this score
As of 2025, the Liberia Intellectual Property Act of 2016 remains in force. No subsequent amendments to the copyright exceptions provisions have been identified through web search. The Act contains a Fair Use provision (Section 9.8) which, based on its title and the legislative history of Liberian copyright law (the predecessor 1997 law contained a U.S.-style fair use clause explicitly covering research and scholarship, open to all users, all works, and covering reproduction and other uses), is classified as GREEN. The Act also contains multiple additional exceptions (quotation, private reproduction, teaching, library/archive reproduction, computer programs, impaired persons, ephemeral recordings, compulsory licensing) which provide additional but less permissive rights. The most permissive exception — the general Fair Use provision — determines the overall classification. No TDM-specific exception has been identified. Classification-neutral factors (non-commercial purpose consideration, proportionality) were not factored into the color decision.
Exceptions considered
Fair Use — general fair use exception presumed to cover research and scholarship, open to all users and all works, covering reproduction and other exclusive rights.
Quotation — permits quotation from works.
Private Reproduction for Personal Purposes.
Reproduction and Other Utilization for Teaching.
Reproduction by Libraries and Archives.
Reproduction and Adaptation of Computer Programs.