If you’re an author, designer, musician, filmmaker, or digital content creator, copyright protection in Spain is key to defending your intellectual work. Whether you live in Spain or just distribute your content here, Spanish law protects your original creations.
This guide outlines what foreigners need to know about copyright law in Spain.
🧠 What Does Copyright Protect?
Under Spanish law, copyright covers original literary, artistic, or scientific works, including:
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📚 Books, articles, and scripts
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🎶 Music and lyrics
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🎨 Artwork, photos, and design
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🎬 Films, audiovisual works, and video content
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💻 Software and digital platforms
The work must be original and expressed in some tangible form.
📅 Duration of Protection
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Copyright protection in Spain lasts for life of the author + 70 years
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For collective or anonymous works, it lasts 70 years from publication
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No formal registration is needed, but proof of authorship is essential
📋 Do Foreigners Have Copyright Protection in Spain?
Yes — Spain follows international treaties like the Berne Convention, so your work is protected even if:
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You’re not a Spanish citizen
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You published your work abroad
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You reside outside of Spain
However, enforcement may require proof of authorship and local legal representation.
🛠️ Optional Registration for Proof
While not mandatory, registering your work can:
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Create legal proof of authorship and creation date
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Help in legal disputes or enforcement actions
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Be done via Spain’s Intellectual Property Registry (Registro de la Propiedad Intelectual)
🛡️ Enforcement of Copyright in Spain
If someone uses your work without permission, you can:
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⚠️ Send a cease-and-desist letter
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👩⚖️ Initiate civil legal action for damages
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🚫 Request court orders to remove infringing content
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📩 Notify online platforms (YouTube, Instagram, websites) to request takedowns
👨💼 How Borderless Lawyers Can Help
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Assist with copyright registrations and proof documentation
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Draft licensing agreements and protect royalties
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Represent you in copyright infringement cases
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Help remove pirated content or unauthorized uses
📞 Contact Borderless Lawyers Today
Protect your creations in Spain. Borderless Lawyers helps foreign creatives secure and enforce their copyright rights across all industries. Contact us for personalized legal advice.