Moral rights in art

Moral rights in art safeguard the creator’s non-economic interests, chiefly recognition of authorship and protection against distortions or uses that harm the work or the artist’s personality interests. Under Swiss copyright law, these rights are distinct from exploitation rights and remain important after sale of the physical artwork. They affect restoration, alteration, destruction, exhibition, cataloguing and digital reproduction. Practical disputes require balancing the artist’s rights with ownership, contractual permissions, conservation needs and freedom of expression. Waivers or consent clauses must be assessed carefully, especially for commissioned works and public art.