When can libraries reproduce works without authorization?
Libraries may make limited copies to fulfill their mandate if the activities are not for profit. Section 188.1 Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines allows this for fragile or rare works that cannot be lent. It also covers isolated articles or brief portions needed for research or study. Furthermore, it allows for replacing lost or destroyed copies if they are unavailable from the publisher. “SEC. 188. Reprographic Reproduction by Libraries – 188.1. Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection 177.1, any library or archive whose activities are not for profit may, without the authorization of the author or copyright owner, make a limited number of copies of the work, as may be necessary for such institutions to fulfill their mandate, by reprographic reproduction: (a) Where the work by reason of its fragile character or rarity cannot be lent to user in its original form; (b) Where the works are isolated articles contained in composite works or brief portions of other published works and the reproduction is necessary to supply them; when this is considered expedient, to persons requesting their loan for purposes of research or study instead of lending the volumes or booklets which contain them; and (c) Where the making of such limited copies is in order to preserve and, if necessary in the event that it is lost, destroyed or rendered unusable, replace a copy, or to replace, in the permanent collection of another similar library or archive, a copy which has been lost, destroyed or rendered unusable and copies are not available with the publisher.” January 7, 2026About Nicolas and De Vega Law Offices
Nicolas and De Vega Law Offices is a full-service law firm in the Philippines. You may visit us at the 16th Flr., Suite 1607 AIC Burgundy Empire Tower, ADB Ave., Ortigas Center, 1605 Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines. You may also call us at +632 84706126, +632 84706130, +632 84016392 or e-mail us at [email protected]. Visit our website https://ndvlaw.com/.
