Article 15 of the Saudi Copyright Law

The basic rule is that exploiting a work is the right of its owner, but this article lists cases in which use is lawful without permission, whether the work is in its original language or translated. The most notable are:

1. Copying for personal use, except computer software and audio and audiovisual works.
2. Quoting passages in another work on conditions: that it is consistent with custom, to the extent justified by the purpose, with mention of the source and the author's name. This applies to press summaries.
3. Using the work for teaching by way of illustration within the limits of the purpose, or photocopying one or two copies for public libraries or non-commercial documentation centers, on conditions: that it is not commercial or for profit, that it is limited to the needs of the activities, that it does not harm the material benefit from the work, and that the work is out of print or its editions have been lost or damaged.
4. Reproducing newspaper articles on current topics or similar broadcast works, with clear mention of the source and the author's name if there is one.
5. Copying a broadcast work when presenting current events by still or moving images, within the limits of the purpose and with reference to the source.
6. Media reproduction of speeches, lectures and pleadings presented publicly, with the author's name mentioned; the author keeps the right to publish them in his own way.
7. Temporary recordings by broadcasting bodies of a work they are licensed to broadcast, to be destroyed within one year or a longer period the author agrees to, with the possibility of keeping a single documentary copy in official archives.
8. Performing a work after its publication by state troupes, bodies with public legal personality, or school theater, as long as it earns no direct or indirect financial return.
9. Reproducing short extracts in school textbooks and books on history, literature and the arts to the extent necessary, mentioning the name of the work and the author.
10. Taking new photographs of a subject that has been photographed and published before, even from the same place and in the same circumstances.
11. Reproducing parts of articles and scientific works by research institutions for their internal purposes or the requirements of researchers, mentioning the source.
12. One backup copy of software for the person who owns an original copy, to protect the original, with the original kept with him to show when requested.

The Implementing Regulations detail the circumstances required for these exceptions. Article 16 follows to regulate another form of use without the right holder's consent: the compulsory licenses granted by the Minister. In case of doubt in a particular situation, you may consult a lawyer who specializes in intellectual property and copyright.