The Copyright Law defines copyright protection to include, among other things, architectural designs, speeches, theatrical pieces, musical works, photographic and cinematography works, maps, and works for broadcast on television or radio.

The Copyright Law was amended in 1992 so as to broaden the scope of its protection to include video tapes and computer software. The amendment also increased the penalties that apply in copyright infringement cases.

Protection under the copyright law, extends for 50 years from the death of an author. In case of legal entity the aforementioned term of protection begins on the date of the first publication. In certain circumstances, in the field of photographic and cinematography works, the protection ends 15 years from the date of first publication.

Egypt is a member state of the Berne Convention of 1886, although it does not consider itself bound by the provisions of Article 33 of the Convention concerning the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice. Egypt is also a signatory to the 1971 Convention for the Protection of Producers of Phonograms Against Unauthorized Duplication of their Phonograms.