Selected year snapshot
For 1999, the active event in this file is Copyright Act 1997 (Act No. 8 of 1997).
60%
Current rationale
The Copyright Act 1997 replaced the 1985 Act. Evaluating all research-relevant exceptions: (1) Section 9 permits private reproduction of a published work in a single copy by a natural person exclusively for his own personal purposes. This covers full works (with exclusions for architecture, substantial parts of digital databases, and computer programs). The 'personal purposes' qualifier restricts this to individuals acting privately. This is the most permissive exception for research use because it permits reproduction of full works (of most types) by any natural person for personal purposes, which includes private study and personal research. (2) Section 10 only permits reproduction of 'a short part' — quotation-level use. (3) Section 11 is limited to teaching purposes and short parts/extracts. (4) Section 12 is a library exception limited to 'published articles, other short works or short extracts' — not full books or full works generally. The most permissive exception is Section 9: it permits full-work reproduction (with some work-type exclusions) but is restricted to natural persons for personal purposes only, and does not cover sharing/communication. The exclusions for architecture, substantial parts of digital databases, and computer programs are work-type restrictions, but the exception still permits full-work reproduction for most work types. However, the 'exclusively for his own personal purposes' language restricts the user class to individuals. This maps to LIGHT BLUE (private/personal use, full works of most types, reproduction only, no sharing). The work-type exclusions (architecture, digital databases, computer programs) could push toward ORANGE, but since full-work reproduction is still available for the vast majority of work types (literary, musical, artistic, audiovisual, etc.), the primary restriction is the personal-use qualifier, yielding LIGHT BLUE. Non-commercial restriction and single-copy limit are classification-neutral.
Exceptions considered
Private reproduction of a published work in a single copy by a natural person exclusively for his own personal purposes. Excludes architecture, substantial part of digital databases, computer programs, and cases conflicting with normal exploitation.
Reproduction of a short part of a published work for illustration in a writing or as a quotation, compatible with fair practice, source indicated.
Reproduction of short parts for teaching purposes; reprographic reproduction of articles, short works, or short extracts for face-to-face teaching in non-commercial educational institutions.
Library/archive reprographic reproduction of published articles, short works, or short extracts to satisfy request of natural person for study, scholarship, or private research (single copy, isolated occasion). Also preservation copies.
Reproduction, broadcasting and other communication to the public for informatory purposes (reporting current events, etc.).
Reproduction and adaptation of computer programs — backup copy and study of underlying ideas by lawful user.
Importation of a single copy for personal purposes.
Law changes
Copyright Act 1985 (No. 13 of 1985)
Baseline · Effective 1986-01-26
?
Dates: Effective 1986-01-26 · Enacted 1985-06-03
Why this score
The Copyright Act 1985 (No. 13 of 1985) was the law in force on 1990-01-01 in Trinidad and Tobago. Despite extensive web searching, I was unable to locate the full statutory text of this Act online. The ILO NATLEX database confirms its existence (adopted 1985-06-03, published in Trinidad and Tobago Gazette 1985-07-08, No. 192) but does not host the text. No official digital copy of the 1985 Act's exceptions and limitations provisions could be retrieved. Without the actual text, I cannot identify the specific research-relevant exceptions or classify them. The Act was repealed and replaced by the Copyright Act 1997 (Act 8 of 1997).
Copyright Act 1997 (Act No. 8 of 1997)
Relevant update · Effective 1997-01-01
60%
Relevant section: Sections 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17
Dates: Effective 1997-01-01 · Enacted 1997-01-01
Why this score
The Copyright Act 1997 replaced the 1985 Act. Evaluating all research-relevant exceptions: (1) Section 9 permits private reproduction of a published work in a single copy by a natural person exclusively for his own personal purposes. This covers full works (with exclusions for architecture, substantial parts of digital databases, and computer programs). The 'personal purposes' qualifier restricts this to individuals acting privately. This is the most permissive exception for research use because it permits reproduction of full works (of most types) by any natural person for personal purposes, which includes private study and personal research. (2) Section 10 only permits reproduction of 'a short part' — quotation-level use. (3) Section 11 is limited to teaching purposes and short parts/extracts. (4) Section 12 is a library exception limited to 'published articles, other short works or short extracts' — not full books or full works generally. The most permissive exception is Section 9: it permits full-work reproduction (with some work-type exclusions) but is restricted to natural persons for personal purposes only, and does not cover sharing/communication. The exclusions for architecture, substantial parts of digital databases, and computer programs are work-type restrictions, but the exception still permits full-work reproduction for most work types. However, the 'exclusively for his own personal purposes' language restricts the user class to individuals. This maps to LIGHT BLUE (private/personal use, full works of most types, reproduction only, no sharing). The work-type exclusions (architecture, digital databases, computer programs) could push toward ORANGE, but since full-work reproduction is still available for the vast majority of work types (literary, musical, artistic, audiovisual, etc.), the primary restriction is the personal-use qualifier, yielding LIGHT BLUE. Non-commercial restriction and single-copy limit are classification-neutral.
Exceptions considered
Private reproduction of a published work in a single copy by a natural person exclusively for his own personal purposes. Excludes architecture, substantial part of digital databases, computer programs, and cases conflicting with normal exploitation.
Reproduction of a short part of a published work for illustration in a writing or as a quotation, compatible with fair practice, source indicated.
Reproduction of short parts for teaching purposes; reprographic reproduction of articles, short works, or short extracts for face-to-face teaching in non-commercial educational institutions.
Library/archive reprographic reproduction of published articles, short works, or short extracts to satisfy request of natural person for study, scholarship, or private research (single copy, isolated occasion). Also preservation copies.
Reproduction, broadcasting and other communication to the public for informatory purposes (reporting current events, etc.).
Reproduction and adaptation of computer programs — backup copy and study of underlying ideas by lawful user.
Importation of a single copy for personal purposes.
Original text
9. (1) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 8, the private reproduction of a published work in a single copy shall be permitted without the authorisation of the author or owner of copyright, where the reproduction is made by a natural person exclusively for his own personal purposes. (2) The permission granted under subsection (1) shall not extend to reproduction— (a) of a work of architecture in the form of a building or other construction; (b) of the whole or a substantial part of a database in digital form; (c) of a computer program except as provided in section 14; (d) of any work in cases where reproduction would conflict with a normal exploitation of the work or would otherwise unreasonably prejudice the legitimate interests of the author or owner of copyright. 10. (1) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 8, the following shall be permitted without the authorisation of the author or owner of copyright— (a) the reproduction of a short part of a published work for illustration in a writing; (b) the reproduction in the form of a quotation of a short part of a published work, provided that the reproduction is compatible with fair practice and does not exceed the extent justified by the purpose, and provided that the source is indicated. 11. (1) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 8, the following acts shall be permitted without the authorisation of the author or owner of copyright— (a) the reproduction of a short part of a published work for teaching purposes by way of illustration, in writings or in sound or visual recordings, provided that such reproduction is compatible with fair practice and does not exceed the extent justified by the purpose; (b) the reprographic reproduction, for face-to-face teaching in educational institutions the activities of which do not serve direct or indirect commercial gain, of published articles, other short works or short extracts of works, to the extent justified by the purpose, provided that the source is indicated. 12. (1) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 8, any library or archive whose activities do not serve direct or indirect commercial gain may, without the authorisation of the author or owner of copyright, make a single copy of the work by reprographic reproduction— (a) where the work reproduced is a published article, other short work or short extract of a work, and where the purpose of the reproduction is to satisfy the request of a natural person, provided that— (i) the library or archive is satisfied that the copy will be used solely for the purposes of study, scholarship or private research; (ii) the making of the single copy is an isolated occurrence and, where it is repeated, it occurs on separate and unrelated occasions; (b) where the copy is made in order to preserve and, if necessary, replace a copy, or to replace a copy which has been lost, destroyed or rendered unusable in the permanent collection of another similar library or archive, provided that it is impossible to obtain such a copy under reasonable conditions, and provided that the act of reprographic reproduction does not conflict with the normal exploitation of the work and does not unreasonably prejudice the legitimate interests of the author or owner of copyright.
Source links
Copyright (Amendment) Act, 2008 (Act No. 5 of 2008)
Relevant update · Effective 2008-05-08
60%
Relevant section: Sections 9, 12 (as amended)
Dates: Effective 2008-05-08 · Enacted 2008-05-08
Why this score
The 2008 Amendment Act primarily introduced provisions on technological protection measures (new sections 34A, 34B, etc.), performers' rights, and enforcement. The core exceptions in Sections 9–17 were not materially altered with respect to research or private study. Section 9 (private reproduction for personal purposes) remains the most permissive research-relevant exception. The classification remains LIGHT BLUE for the same reasons as the 1997 baseline: full-work reproduction permitted for most work types, restricted to natural persons for personal purposes, reproduction only, no sharing. The 2008 amendments did not add any TDM exception or broaden research exceptions.
Exceptions considered
Private reproduction of a published work in a single copy by a natural person exclusively for his own personal purposes. Excludes architecture, substantial part of digital databases, computer programs.
Quotation/short part reproduction for illustration in writing, compatible with fair practice.
Short parts for teaching; reprographic reproduction of articles/short works for face-to-face teaching.
Library/archive reprographic reproduction of articles, short works, or short extracts for study/scholarship/private research.
Reproduction and adaptation of computer programs (backup, study of underlying ideas).
Original text
9. (1) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 8, the private reproduction of a published work in a single copy shall be permitted without the authorisation of the author or owner of copyright, where the reproduction is made by a natural person exclusively for his own personal purposes. (2) The permission granted under subsection (1) shall not extend to reproduction— (a) of a work of architecture in the form of a building or other construction; (b) of the whole or a substantial part of a database in digital form; (c) of a computer program except as provided in section 14; (d) of any work in cases where reproduction would conflict with a normal exploitation of the work or would otherwise unreasonably prejudice the legitimate interests of the author or owner of copyright.
Source links
Copyright (Amendment) Act, 2020 (Act No. 14 of 2020)
Relevant update · Effective 2020-01-01
60%
Dates: Effective 2020-01-01 · Enacted 2020-01-01
Why this score
The Copyright (Amendment) Act 2020 (Act No. 14 of 2020) is recorded on WIPO Lex. However, the full text of this amendment could not be retrieved from any accessible source during web searching. Based on the WIPO Lex record and available secondary descriptions, this amendment appears to have addressed issues related to collective management organizations and enforcement rather than introducing new research exceptions or TDM provisions. Without the full text, I cannot confirm whether any research-relevant exceptions were modified. The classification remains LIGHT BLUE based on the pre-existing exceptions (particularly Section 9 private reproduction) which are presumed to remain in force unchanged. If the 2020 Act did modify Sections 9-17, this classification may need revision.
Exceptions considered
Private reproduction of a published work in a single copy by a natural person exclusively for his own personal purposes (presumed unchanged).
Quotation/short part reproduction (presumed unchanged).
Library/archive reprographic reproduction of articles/short works for study/scholarship/private research (presumed unchanged).
Source links
Copyright Act, Chapter 82:80 (as amended through Act No. 14 of 2020)
Current law confirmation · Effective 2025-03-08
60%
Relevant section: Sections 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17
Dates: Effective 2025-03-08
Why this score
As of 2025, the Copyright Act of Trinidad and Tobago (Chapter 82:80, as amended) remains in force. The most permissive research-relevant exception is Section 9, which permits private reproduction of a published work in a single copy by a natural person exclusively for his own personal purposes. This covers full works (excluding architecture, substantial parts of digital databases, and computer programs). Analysis across three dimensions: (1) Uses: reproduction only — no sharing, communication, or distribution is authorized; (2) Works: most types of works are covered, with specific exclusions for architecture, digital databases (substantial part), and computer programs; (3) Users: restricted to natural persons for personal purposes only — no institutional or collaborative use. The library exception (Section 12) is more restrictive (limited to articles, short works, short extracts). The quotation exception (Section 10) is limited to short parts. The teaching exception (Section 11) is limited to short parts and teaching purposes. No TDM-specific exception exists. No general fair use or fair dealing clause exists. No three-step-test enabling clause exists (the three-step test appears only as a limiting condition in Sections 9(2)(d) and 12). Classification: LIGHT BLUE — full-work reproduction permitted for most work types, but restricted to natural persons for personal purposes, reproduction only, no sharing. The work-type exclusions do not change the classification to ORANGE because the primary and most significant restriction is the personal-use qualifier on the user class. Classification-neutral factors (single-copy limit, three-step-test qualifier) were not factored into the color decision.
Exceptions considered
Private reproduction of a published work in a single copy by a natural person exclusively for his own personal purposes. Excludes architecture, substantial part of digital databases, computer programs, and cases conflicting with normal exploitation.
Reproduction of a short part of a published work for illustration in a writing or as a quotation, compatible with fair practice, source indicated.
Reproduction of short parts for teaching purposes; reprographic reproduction of articles, short works, or short extracts for face-to-face teaching in non-commercial educational institutions.
Library/archive reprographic reproduction of published articles, short works, or short extracts to satisfy request of natural person for study, scholarship, or private research. Single copy, isolated occasion. Also preservation copies.
Reproduction, broadcasting and other communication to the public for informatory purposes (reporting current events).
Reproduction and adaptation of computer programs — backup copy by lawful user; study of underlying ideas and principles.
Importation of a single copy of a work for personal purposes.
Display of works of art or photographs in connection with reporting on exhibitions.
Permitted use of artistic works permanently situated in public places.
Original text
9. (1) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 8, the private reproduction of a published work in a single copy shall be permitted without the authorisation of the author or owner of copyright, where the reproduction is made by a natural person exclusively for his own personal purposes. (2) The permission granted under subsection (1) shall not extend to reproduction— (a) of a work of architecture in the form of a building or other construction; (b) of the whole or a substantial part of a database in digital form; (c) of a computer program except as provided in section 14; (d) of any work in cases where reproduction would conflict with a normal exploitation of the work or would otherwise unreasonably prejudice the legitimate interests of the author or owner of copyright.