The Scope of Protection for Engineering Works in the Literary and Artistic Property System

The Algerian legislature has stipulated in the Law on Literary and Artistic Property the protection of every innovative intellectual production, whether literary or artistic, regardless of its type, mode of expression, merit, or purpose.Given the importance of engineering designs, they have also been included within this system, provided that they fulfil the requirement of creativity, which constitutes the essence of legal protection.Furthermore, the technical and distinctive nature of these works grants them dual protection: on the one hand, they are subject to the general provisions of the copyright and related rights system; on the other hand, they are governed by legislative and regulatory texts about planning, development, and building safety, as well as laws concerning the material ownership enjoyed by the project owner.