In a regulatory step aimed at protecting national memory and documenting intellectual output, the King Fahd National Library the draft executive regulations for the deposit system through the "Istilaa" platform. This initiative aims to update the regulatory frameworks to ensure the comprehensive preservation of Saudi intellectual production in its various forms and to enhance the Kingdom's position as a hub for culture and science.
Historical context and pivotal role of the library
The King Fahd National Library is the entity legally responsible for implementing the deposit system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a system that guarantees the preservation of authors' intellectual property rights and documents the country's cultural history. Since its establishment, the library has played a pivotal role in collecting and organizing intellectual heritage. The new regulations are designed to keep pace with the rapid developments in the publishing industry, particularly with the rise of digital content and multimedia, necessitating the updating of legislation to ensure that no part of the national heritage is lost.
Details of the regulations and the activities covered
The new regulations define a broad range of materials subject to deposit, encompassing everything intended for publication and distribution. The list includes:
- Printed works: books, periodicals, newspapers, atlases, and government publications.
- Digital and audiovisual materials: audiobooks, films, software, and interactive digital content.
- Artworks: Photographs, paintings, and maps.
The regulations confirmed that its provisions apply to any work published within the Kingdom, or works published outside it if its parties (authors, publishers, producers) are Saudi.
Registration mechanism and time deadlines
The regulations established precise procedures to ensure a smooth workflow, mandating the registration of work before printing or publication via an approved form. Regarding deadlines, the regulations set 40 days for submitting works after the issuance of the submission number, with the possibility of a one-time extension of ten days. Newspapers and magazines must be submitted on their publication date, and university theses immediately upon approval.
Order of responsibility and exceptions
The draft clarified the chain of responsibility for copyright infringement, starting with the author (in the case of self-publishing), followed by the printer, then the producer, and finally the publisher. The regulations also exempted certain materials that do not possess enduring intellectual value or are purely commercial in nature, such as:
- Commercial advertisements and invitation cards.
- Commercial contracts, securities, and cash.
- Government publications of a confidential nature.
Expected impact: Protecting rights and supporting scientific research
This regulation is expected to address previous regulatory gaps and standardize filing procedures, positively impacting the reliability of the National Intellectual Property Registry. This will facilitate researchers' access to documented sources and references, enhance the protection of intellectual property rights for Saudi creators, and align with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to build a vibrant society and a thriving knowledge-based economy.
