World Intellectual Property Organization


Constitution of Sweden

Year of Version:2012
Date of Entry into Force:January 1, 1975
Date of Text (Adopted):1974
Type of Text:Constitution / Basic Law
Subject Matter:Other
Sweden, which is a constitutional monarchy, has a written Constitution which defines how the country is governed. The Constitution sets out the relationship between decision-making and executive power, as well as basic rights and freedoms guaranteed to citizens.
It consists of four fundamental laws which together make up the Constitution and take precedence over all other laws: the Instrument of Government, the Act of Succession, the Freedom of the Press Act and the Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression.

The Constitution contains provisions which recognize the intellectual property rights.
The Instrument of Government protects the copyright of authors, artists and photographers in their works (Chapter 2, Article 16).
The Freedom of the Press Act specifies the right to freely express thoughts, ideas and feelings in speech, print, pictures or other media (Chapter 1); and guarantees the right to access to public documents subject to limited and specific exceptions (Chapter 2).
Furthermore, the Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression aims to ensure the free exchange of opinion, free and comprehensive information, and freedom of artistic creativity (Chapter 1, Article 1, paragraph 2). The Law protects non-print media, such as television, film and radio.
Available Texts: 

Constitution of Sweden Constitution of Sweden, Complete document (pdf) [367 KB]

WIPO Lex No.:SE122



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