Derechos de autor, imágenes y propiedad intelectual en Colombia: lo que debes saber

In 2025, we produce and share images, texts, and videos every day.

A “repost” without permission, using a random Google image on your website, or uploading AI-generated content could expose you to claims, account suspensions, and even legal sanctions.

This practical guide summarizes what Colombian law protects, how to use images safely, what you can register and how, how long protection lasts, which exceptions exist (citation, parody, teaching), the right to one’s own image, penalties, and the latest developments on generative AI.

1) Constitutional and Legal Framework

Before talking about licenses or “I saw it online,” it’s essential to understand the foundation. In Colombia, copyright is not just a label—it is a right recognized by the Constitution and developed by national laws and international treaties.

Key references:

• Law 23 of 1982: the cornerstone of copyright and related rights in Colombia.
• Law 1915 of 2018: modernized Law 23, extending terms, adapting rules to digital environments, and clarifying related rights.
• Andean Decision 351 (1993): the regional framework that harmonizes protection across Andean countries.

2) What Does Intellectual Property Protect? (Including Images)

“Work” doesn’t just mean a book or a song. Colombian law protects any original creation fixed in a tangible or digital medium: texts, photos, illustrations, videos, audiovisual works, music, and software.

• Images (photographs, graphics, illustrations) are protected from the moment of creation—registration is not required.
• Protection arises automatically upon creation; registration is optional but useful as evidence.
• Software is explicitly recognized as a protected work. The DNDA (National Copyright Directorate) provides specific forms and guidance for registration.

3) Copyright: Moral vs. Economic Rights

Understanding the distinction avoids serious mistakes:

• Moral rights: link the author to their work (authorship, integrity, disclosure). They cannot be waived or transferred.
• Economic rights: allow exploitation (reproduction, distribution, public communication, transformation). These can be licensed or assigned.

Key point: Law 1915 expanded the scope of digital exploitation, covering online availability and electronic distribution. Using a photo on your website or social media without permission (or outside of an exception) may infringe economic rights.

4) Registration with the DNDA: When, How, and Why

You don’t need to register to have protection, but doing so gives legal certainty. Registration serves as proof of authorship, facilitates contracts and licensing, and strengthens claims in disputes.

• Official platform: Registro Virtual DNDA → registroenlinea.gov.co
• Processing time: approximately 15 business days after filing.
• For software: you may upload code (PDF/TXT) or technical descriptions/manuals.
• Cost: free of charge.

5) How Long Does Protection Last?

In Colombia, protection was extended by Law 1915:

• General rule for natural persons: lifetime of the author plus 80 years. After that, the work enters the public domain (authorship must still be credited).
• Related rights (performers, producers, broadcasters) have specific durations, also updated by Law 1915.

6) Exceptions and Limitations: Citation, Parody, Teaching

Not all uses require authorization. The law recognizes exceptions to balance public interest: research, teaching, criticism, parody, libraries. But they are not blanket permissions—strict conditions apply.

• Citation: short extracts with proper source and author attribution (Law 23/82, Art. 31).
• Parody/Caricature: since 2018, parodic transformations are allowed without permission if they don’t cause confusion and are clearly humorous/critical.
• Teaching/Research: permitted under the “three-step test” (no interference with normal exploitation or unjustified harm to rights holders).

7) Images on the Internet and Social Media (and Image Rights)

Posting an image online does not make it free to use. Besides copyright, Colombia recognizes a fundamental right to one’s own image: you cannot use someone’s photo without consent or a legal basis (except in cases of public interest).

The Constitutional Court has repeatedly upheld the right to image and privacy against unauthorized online publications (e.g., rulings T-634/13, T-339/22, T-289/23).

If you plan to use third-party images, check the license carefully (e.g., Creative Commons conditions).

8) Where to Find “Safe” Images

To minimize risk, use sources with clear licenses or works in the public domain. Always check whether:

• The license allows commercial use.
• Modifications are permitted.
• Attribution is required.

Practical tips:

• Look for CC0, CC BY, CC BY-SA licenses in stock image banks.
• Save a screenshot or URL of the license terms as evidence.

9) Infringements and Sanctions

Using a work without authorization (and outside of exceptions) may trigger civil, administrative, or even criminal consequences.

• Civil: damages, injunctions, content removal.
• Criminal Code:
  • Art. 270: violation of moral rights.
  • Art. 271: violation of economic rights and related rights (prison sentences and fines).
• Administrative: DNDA can impose measures to stop the infringement.

10) What About AI-Generated Works in 2025?

The million-dollar question. In Colombia, the DNDA has been clear: results generated solely by AI are not registrable as works, since the law protects creations of human ingenuity. What about works “assisted” by AI? It depends on whether there is a distinguishable human creative contribution.

Current landscape:

• DNDA (official website 2025): AI-generated results are not subject to registration in the RNDA if there is no human creation; only natural persons can be authors.

• International reports (WIPO) and recent coverage confirm the global trend: without substantial human input, there is no protection; with relevant creative intervention, protection may be possible (examples from foreign offices).

• In Colombia, DNDA pronouncements and resolutions from 2023–2025 have denied registrations based solely on AI and clarified that prompts, as mere ideas, are not protectable.

Recommendation: If you use AI, document your human contribution (sketches, edits, creative decisions) and avoid training or publishing material that infringes third-party rights.

11) Best Practices for Using Third-Party Images

Most disputes can be avoided with a quick compliance check before publishing:

• Verify the author and license.
• Keep proof of authorization (screenshot, invoice, license link).
• If identifiable people appear, secure consent unless an exception applies.
• Use clear assignment or license contracts for commissioned works (specifying scope, territory, duration, and channels).

12) FAQs

• Do I need to register to “have rights”? No. Rights exist from creation, but registration strengthens your legal position.
• Can I “take images from Google” if I credit the author? No, unless the license allows it or you fall under a legal exception. Attribution alone does not replace authorization.
• When does a work enter the public domain? 80 years after the author’s death (from January 1 of the following year).
• What’s the official platform to register? registroenlinea.gov.co (DNDA).
• What if someone uses my photo without permission? You may demand removal, compensation, and—depending on the case—pursue criminal charges under Articles 270–271 of the Penal Code.

Legal peace of mind is cheaper than a lawsuit: register what you create, use licensed images, respect people’s image rights, and document any AI-assisted process with clear human authorship.

With these rules, you can publish and monetize without fear.

📩 Do you need guidance on protecting your creations or reviewing the legal use of images in your projects?

Our team can walk you through each step so you can publish with confidence and avoid problems.