People who breach copyright laws in Bahrain could soon have to pay out of court settlements of up to BD9,000 ($23,781) to intellectual property owners, a report said.

Shura Council members could not reach agreement last month about whether to exempt non-commercial establishments, such as educational institutes, libraries and public media from the law, according to the report in the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

But they yesterday agreed that if the violation was proved to have been committed unintentionally, out of court settlements should be limited to a maximum of BD250.

Under approved amendments, deciphering satellite and radio signals will only be allowed through written documentation from the intellectual property owner or their representatives.

Violators will face a jail term of six months and a fine of up to BD2,000, or both.

Minister of State for Information Affairs Sameera Rajab was present during the discussions.

The amendments will be now referred to parliament for further study due to conflict with council members on certain articles. Meanwhile, the council approved signing a mutual taxation agreement with Barbados.

It had already been approved by parliament and will now be ratified by His Majesty King Hamad. – TradeArabia News Service