Belarus, which is also under multiple sanctions, has legalized parallel import last summer. Further, on 3 January 2023, the law “On the Limitation of Exclusive Rights to Intellectual Property Objects” was published, allowing the use of software, audiovisual and musical works, as well as goods containing intellectual property objects without the permission of the copyright holder, if they are included in a list of goods which are important for the domestic market.
The list is updated by government agencies. Moreover, if a product is included in such a list, it will be automatically excluded from the Belarussian customs IP register. However, the law provides compensation for the use. The compensation is paid to a deposit of the governmental body and can be claimed by the IP owner within 3 years of the payment.
In case the compensation is not claimed within 3 years, the sum will be transferred to the government. The aim of the law is to ensure digital development of the country and provide access to modern world events and culture to the citizens of Belarus. Read more