Department of Media, Creative Industry & Intellectual Property

The Department of Media, Creative Industry and Intellectual Property (DoMCIIP) under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE), on 28 May 2026, organized a stakeholder consultation meeting on the first draft of the Copyright Act Amendment.

The consultation brought together representatives from government agencies, the Judiciary, Royal Bhutan Police (RBP), private institutions, media organizations, and individual stakeholders to review the proposed amendments and provide comments and recommendations. The Department had earlier conducted an initial consultation in January this year to gather feedback for incorporation into the draft amendment.

Bhutan’s existing Copyright Act was enacted in 2001. However, with the rapid growth of digital technology, online platforms, artificial intelligence, and digital media, there is an increasing need to update and modernize the Act to address emerging copyright issues and keep pace with international developments.

The proposed amendment aims to strengthen the protection of creators’ rights, support innovation and creativity, and promote the growth of Bhutan’s media and creative industries. It will also help create a more supportive environment for artists, musicians, filmmakers, writers, publishers, and other creative professionals in the country.

The Department will continue consultations with stakeholders to ensure that the amended Act remains balanced, relevant, and aligned with Bhutan’s national interests.

FAO in collaboration with the Department of Media, Creative Industry & Intellectual Property, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Royal Government of Bhutan, is conducting a week-long capacity development training on the Geographical Indications (GI) Internal Control System and Compliance Verification Mechanisms from 24 to 28 May 2026 in Bumthang.

The training is part of the Royal Government of Bhutan’s ongoing efforts to operationalize the national GI system following its official launch in June 2025. The initiative aims to strengthen the institutional and technical capacities required to ensure effective implementation of Bhutan’s GI certification and control framework in line with international best practices, including ISO/IEC 17065 standards and the European Union GI certification system.

The training brings together internal inspectors and office bearers from four pilot GI cooperatives: Merak-Sakteng Zoetey, Bumthang Yathra, Bumthang Honey, and Dhur-Tandingang Guntho. Participants also include auditors from designated external control bodies such as the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA) and Bhutan Standard Bureau (BSB), as well as Dzongkhag Agriculture Officers (DAOs), Dzongkhag Livestock Officers (DLOs), and extension officials from Trashigang and Bumthang Dzongkhags.

Over the five-day program, participants will deepen their understanding of Bhutan’s national GI legal and control framework, internal control systems (ICS), traceability mechanisms, inspection procedures, documentation and record-keeping, and cooperative responsibilities in ensuring GI compliance. The training will also include practical hands-on mock audits for each GI cooperative to strengthen readiness for GI registration and certification processes.

The program supports Bhutan’s target to facilitate the GI registration and market launch of Bumthang Yathra and Merak-Sakteng Zoetey by June 2026, while laying the foundation for future registration of Bumthang Honey and Dhur-Tandingang Guntho.

By strengthening local capacities and establishing robust quality assurance and compliance systems, the initiative contributes to protecting Bhutan’s unique traditional products, enhancing market recognition, and promoting sustainable rural livelihoods through Geographical Indications.

As we mark the 96th Birth Anniversary of Her Majesty Gyalyum Kesang Choeden Wangchuck, our beloved Royal Grandmother, the entire nation is united in warmth and gratitude. May Her Majesty be blessed with joy and good health on this special day and always.

Bhutan’s creative economy is finally taking centre stage Not long ago, Bhutanese singers with raw talent and original songs had no real path forward. Recording a debut music video, even a simple one, required funds that most young artists simply did not have.

Successfully completed the Multimedia Workshop for officials from the Department of Media, Creative Industry & Intellectual Property and the Prime Minister's Office - PMO, Bhutan, today.

The training covered camera handling, photography, videography techniques, Adobe creative tools, Canva designing, Lumen5 content creation, and CapCut video editing.

Participants gained practical skills in multimedia production, visual storytelling, graphic design, and digital content creation to strengthen communication and media capabilities in their professional work.