The University of Baghdad College of Law Discusses a Master’s Thesis on the Legal Protection of Street Art
The College of Law at the University of Baghdad discussed a master’s thesis entitled “The Legal Protection of Street Art” submitted by the student Saja Salman Zughair in the Department of Private Law on Tuesday, 9 June 2026, at the College Conference Hall.
The examination committee consisted of:
- Prof. Dr. Abdul Mahdi Kadhim Nasser (Chairman).
- Prof. Dr. Mudad Ajeel Hassan (Member).
- Lect. Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Issa (Member).
- Prof. Dr. Haider Faleh Hassan (Member and Supervisor).
The thesis aimed to examine the legal framework governing street art and assess the extent to which it enjoys legal protection under intellectual property rules. It also addressed the legal issues arising from the conflict between the rights of street artists and those of property owners and public authorities. Furthermore, the study explored the legal and technical mechanisms capable of providing effective protection for this form of art while achieving a balance between safeguarding artistic creativity and protecting the legitimate rights and interests of the parties concerned.
The thesis consisted of two chapters. The first chapter examined the conceptual and legal framework of street art, while the second chapter addressed the legal and technical protection of street art.
The thesis concluded with several recommendations, the most significant of which were:
- Recommending that the Iraqi legislator amend the Iraqi Copyright Law No. (3) of 1971 by introducing explicit provisions extending protection to contemporary visual arts in all their forms, recognizing street art works as independently protected creations regardless of the legality of the physical medium on which they are executed, and ensuring their protection upon creation without requiring permanent material fixation.
- Enacting a legal provision obliging the property owner or administrative authority to provide written notice to the artist within a reasonable period before removing the artwork, thereby allowing the artist an opportunity to document or relocate it, while imposing appropriate financial compensation in cases of non-compliance.
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Issuing regulations by the competent municipal authorities to designate areas for free artistic expression, where artworks would be exempt from being classified as acts of property infringement and would enjoy full legal protection, thereby encouraging artistic creativity and regulating its practice within a clear legal framework.
