Literary Translation and Copyright: Legal and Ethical Issues Arising During Translation of Literary Works into Different Languages

Literary translation serves as a vital conduit for cross-cultural communication, enabling literary works to transcend linguistic and geographical barriers. However, translating literary texts raises significant legal and ethical concerns, primarily surrounding copyright laws. This paper delves into the complexities of copyright in literary translation, addressing issues such as ownership, derivative works, unauthorized adaptations, and the implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in translation. Additionally, the paper examines case studies of legal disputes, the ethical responsibilities of translators, and the need for comprehensive copyright reforms. Findings suggest that existing copyright laws often fail to equitably balance the rights of original authors, translators, and publishers. AI-driven translation technologies further complicate the landscape, posing new challenges to intellectual property rights and the definition of originality. The study concludes with recommendations for updating legal frameworks, strengthening ethical guidelines, and developing fair licensing agreements to safeguard the interests of all stakeholders involved in literary translation and adaptation