Exception for reproduction for private purpose (Article 50 of the Copyright and Related Rights Act)

Public institutions, such as libraries and museums, may reproduce works protected by copyright for their own needs on any medium, provided that the reproduction is made from a copy they lawfully possess and is not intended for commercial purposes. Individuals may also reproduce work on paper or similar medium (e.g. by photocopying), or on any other medium, provided that the reproduction is made solely for private use and the copies are not communicated to the public or used for commercial purposes.

For private purposes, reproduction is permitted up to a maximum of three copies. Reproduction is not permitted in the following cases: written works in the scope of an entire book, sheet music, electronic databases, computer programs and architectural works in the form of a structure. However, reproduction of an entire book is permitted if it has been out of print and out of sale for at least two years. It is also permitted to reproduce sheet music by hand copying.

Example: An individual may request a photocopy or digital scan of a journal article from a library for personal study or research purposes.