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The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Music Rights Awareness Foundation today launched a new online platform to raise creators’ awareness of intellectual property (IP) rights and related management practices, aiming to ensure they receive recognition and fair reward for their work.
WIPO for Creators has welcomed its first partners to the new effort to support creators around the world by ensuring they are recognized and fairly rewarded for their work by increasing knowledge and awareness of their intellectual property (IP) rights.
Batman, Dracula and Spiderman are the top three most-used franchise characters from movies and video games in the world's biggest media market over the past four decades, according to the first installment of a new series of "Creative Economy Notes" unveiled by WIPO Director General Daren Tang at the Frankfurt Book Fair.
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Director General Francis Gurry joined Colombia President Iván Duque in opening the three-day, virtual "WIPO Conference on the Global Digital Content Market," with each highlighting the importance of government support for the creative industries hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Music Rights Awareness Foundation (MRAF) have joined forces to support creators around the world in ensuring they are recognized and fairly remunerated for their work by increasing knowledge and awareness of their intellectual property (IP) rights.
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) today announced an important advancement in their cooperation, with a particular benefit for Collective Management Organizations (CMOs) representing creators in developing countries.
WIPO's Beijing Treaty Enters into Force: Begins Helping Actors and other Performers
The Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances received a key 30th member, allowing entry into force of the international agreement designed ultimately to improve earning conditions for actors and other audiovisual performers vital to the film products beloved by viewing publics worldwide.
The United States of America has joined WIPO’s fast-growing Marrakesh Treaty as its 50th member, adding a major global publishing center to the Treaty that promotes the increased worldwide availability of texts specially adapted for use by persons with visual or print impairments.
Canada today became the key 20th nation to accede to the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled, which will bring the Treaty into force in three month’s time on September 30, 2016.
Journalists wishing to cover the WIPO Conference on the Global Digital Content Market are invited to apply for media accreditation.
India has become the first nation to ratify the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled.
The World Intellectual Property Organization and a group of key partners are launching a new alliance to boost the number of books in accessible format for use by hundreds of millions of people around the globe who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print disabled, most of whom live in less-developed regions.
A new online licensing tool for intergovernmental organizations will make it easier to bring their published material to a wider audience.
Recording legend Stevie Wonder today congratulated international negotiators who concluded a new treaty easing access to books for the blind, and urged national lawmakers to swiftly ratify the accord and unlock its benefits for hundreds of millions of people around the world who are blind, visually impaired and print-disabled.
International negotiators meeting under the auspices of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) adopted today a landmark new treaty that boosts access to books for the benefit of hundreds of millions of people who are blind, visually impaired and print-disabled.
Music legend Stevie Wonder appealed to more than 600 negotiators from WIPO’s 186 member states to finalize their discussions in the coming days and conclude a new international treaty to ease access to books for blind, visually impaired, and other print disabled people. Stevie said he would share in the celebrations once the treaty is concluded.
More than 600 negotiators from WIPO’s 186 member states began work today on finalizing a new international treaty to ease access to books for blind, visually impaired, and other print disabled people. The Diplomatic Conference to Conclude a Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works by Visually Impaired Persons and Persons with Print Disabilities, convened by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and hosted by the Kingdom of Morocco, is meeting in Marrakesh from June 18 to 28, 2013.
Hundreds of negotiators representing countries around the world will gather later this month to work on finalizing a new international treaty to ease access to books for blind, visually impaired, and other print disabled people.
Senior decision-makers from governments, law enforcement, Customs and the private sector gather in Istanbul, Turkey, for the Seventh Global Congress on Combating Counterfeiting and Piracy, to seek innovative responses to the illicit trade in counterfeit and pirated goods.
Journalists wishing to cover an international conference to conclude a treaty to facilitate access to published works by visually impaired persons and persons with print disabilities are invited to apply for media accreditation. The diplomatic conference to conclude the treaty is convened by WIPO and will be hosted by the Kingdom of Morocco from June 17 to 28, 2013 at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakesh.
Meeting in extraordinary session, the WIPO General Assembly took a landmark decision today to convene a diplomatic conference in 2013 to complete negotiations on a pact to improve access to copyrighted works for the many visually impaired and people with print disabilities around the world. The General Assembly also expressed gratitude to Morocco for its offer to host the diplomatic conference.
The diplomatic conference to finalize a new treaty for audiovisual performers was successfully concluded on June 26, 2012 as negotiators from WIPO’s member states signed the Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances– so-named in recognition of the city that hosted the final round of negotiations. The new treaty brings audiovisual performers into the fold of the international copyright framework in a comprehensive way, for the first time ever.
Beijing, June 20 – China State Counselor Liu Yandong and Beijing Deputy Mayor Lu Wei joined WIPO Director General Francis Gurry and over 700 delegates at today’s opening of the Diplomatic Conference on the Protection of Audiovisual Performances here to conclude negotiations on a treaty that will shore up the rights of performers in their audiovisual performances.
The stage is set for a new international treaty that would extend the protection for audiovisual performers, granting them both economic and moral rights similar to those already recognized for music performers. Over 500 negotiators from WIPO’s 185 member states, as well as actors, industry and other stakeholder organizations will meet in Beijing from June 20 to 26, 2012 to finalize discussions on an international treaty to update the intellectual property rights of audiovisual performers, such as film and TV actors and actresses. The meeting will be opened on June 20, 2012 at the China World Hotel by WIPO Director General Francis Gurry and high ranking Chinese State and Beijing Municipality officials.
Journalists wishing to cover an international conference to improve the rights of actors and other performers, which will be convened by WIPO in Beijing from June 20 to 26, 2012 are invited to apply for media accreditation. The Diplomatic Conference on the Protection of Audiovisual Performances, hosted by the Government of the People’s Republic of China, is expected to conclude a new international treaty on the rights of performers in the international exploitation of their audiovisual performances in the digital era.
WIPO Director General Francis Gurry welcomed a decision today by WIPO’s General Assembly to convene a diplomatic conference in 2012 to agree an international treaty on the rights of performers in their audiovisual performances. The convening of a diplomatic conference signals entry into the final phase of treaty negotiations.
WIPO’s top copyright negotiating body will recommend to the September session of the General Assembly to resume a Diplomatic Conference on the Protection of Audiovisual Performances after agreement on the last outstanding issue relating to the transfer of rights. The convening of a diplomatic conference signals entry into the final phase of treaty negotiations, with the objective of concluding a treaty that would shore up the rights of performers in their audiovisual performances.
WIPO Director General Francis Gurry today announced a project to build a common digital platform which will help streamline the identification of protected musical works across 11 West African countries, helping creators from these countries get paid for their work through a simplified and standardized rights registration system. U.S. firm Google will be WIPO’s technology partner in developing this new web-based system, which builds upon WIPOCOS (WIPO Software for Collective Management of Copyright and Related Rights).
WIPO Director General Francis Gurry today said that copyright needs to evolve to current technological realities or risk becoming irrelevant. Speaking at a conference hosted by Australia’s Faculty of Law of the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) on the future of copyright, Mr. Gurry said there is no “single magical answer” to the development of a successful policy response to the challenges facing copyright in the digital age, but a combination of “law, infrastructure, cultural change, institutional collaboration and better business models.”
Over 800 delegates from intergovernmental organizations, national governments, enforcement agencies and business from more than 100 countries convened today in Paris to address the serious global impact of the growing trade in counterfeit and pirated goods and the need to build respect for intellectual property in a balanced and sustainable way. The Sixth Global Congress on Combating Counterfeiting and Piracy, meeting on February 2-3, 2011, is organized under the High Patronage of the President of the French Republic.
WIPO’s top copyright negotiating body this week continued discussions on limitations and exceptions to copyright law, as well as updating the rights of broadcasting organizations and the rights of performers in their audiovisual performances. The Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR), meeting from November 8-12, 2010, took stock of the status of discussions in each of these three key areas and agreed on a road map for future negotiations.
WIPO Director General Francis Gurry and Harvard University professor Lawrence Lessig will open a meeting hosted by WIPO in Geneva on November 4 and 5, 2010 on copyright licensing that will feature a range of eminent speakers from government, business and civil society. The global meeting on “Facilitating Access to Culture in the Digital Age” will explore different approaches to licensing creative content in the rapidly evolving on-line marketplace and in view of the proliferation of new forms of on-line distribution.
An unprecedented initiative to facilitate access to published works by the visually impaired and the print disabled was announced on October 23, 2010 in New Delhi, India at the 5th meeting of WIPO’s Stakeholders’ Platform, which was set up in January 2009 to explore the specific needs, and concerns, of both copyright owners and reading impaired persons and brings together representatives of the visually impaired persons (VIP) community as well as publishers. The Platform approved the launch on November 1, 2010 of TIGAR - the trusted intermediary global accessible resources project – which will enable publishers to make their titles easily available to trusted intermediaries. These intermediaries will create accessible formats and share them amongst each other and with specialized libraries.
World-famous singer-songwriter and UN Messenger for Peace Stevie Wonder called on the international community to take action to enhance accessibility for all those with physical disabilities. Speaking at the opening of the annual meetings of WIPO Assemblies, he challenged delegates to conclude an agreement on improved accessibility to copyright protected works by visually impaired persons (VIPs) within a year.
WIPO’s top copyright negotiating body this week discussed better access to copyright-protected works for the blind, visually impaired (VIP) and other reading-disabled persons, as well as updating the rights of broadcasting organizations. The Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR), meeting from June 21-24, also reviewed the status of discussions on updating the rights of performers in their audiovisual performances, calling for concrete proposals to advance negotiations.
WIPO’s top copyright negotiating forum has agreed to move forward with discussions that could lead to better access to copyright-protected works by the blind, visually impaired (VIP) and other reading-disabled persons. The Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR), meeting from December 14 to 18, 2009, decided to accelerate the work on copyright exceptions and limitations for the benefit of persons with reading disabilities.
The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Mr. Francis Gurry, welcomed on December 14, 2009 the ratification by the European Union (EU) of the so-called “Internet Treaties” - the WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT) and the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT) - which establish the basic standards of protection for copyright and related rights in the digital environment.
A meeting hosted by WIPO on December 7, 2009 with a number of United Nations (UN) specialized agencies in Geneva concluded with agreement on the need for closer inter-agency collaboration in favor of visually impaired persons (VIPs). During the meeting, WIPO Director General Francis Gurry outlined the Organization’s VIP Initiative, which aims to facilitate and enhance access to literary, artistic and scientific works for the blind, visually impaired and other reading-disable persons and stressed the importance of common activities in this area.
WIPO Director General Francis Gurry met representatives of India’s visually impaired (VIP) community at a conference on the “Right to Read of persons with print disabilities and copyright challenges” organized by the VIP community in cooperation with the Government of India in New Delhi on November 11, 2009, and reaffirmed WIPO’s commitment to supporting international attempts to improve access to copyright protected works by visually impaired persons (VIPs). “Let me assure you that this is a priority area for the World Intellectual Property Organization,” Mr. Gurry said.
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) signed on September 23an agreement with the International Federation of Musicians (FIM) and the International Federation of Actors (FIA) to support efforts to improve recognition of the significant contributions made by actors and musicians around the world.
Representatives of WIPO member states, reading-impaired organizations, publishers, and a technology consortium met on Monday, July 13, 2009 to discuss how the intellectual property system can best meet the needs of visually impaired people by improving timely access to copyright-protected content.
WIPO’s top copyright negotiating forum has agreed “to continue without delay” its work on facilitating the access of the blind, visually impaired (VIP) and other reading-disabled persons to copyright-protected works. This subject - as well as broader questions of limitations and exceptions to copyright law as they relate to libraries, archives and educational activities - is at the heart of current work of the Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR).
A conference on the future evolution of collective management of copyright and related rights in Europe has called on WIPO to step up efforts to help stakeholders address the emerging challenges facing collective management. Participants urged WIPO to strengthen the copyright infrastructure so as to support creative industries and promote social, economic and cultural development.
The future evolution of collective management of copyright and related rights systems in Europe in an ever-expanding digital environment will be the focus of discussions at a conference organized by WIPO in association with the European Grouping of Societies of Authors and Composers (GESAC) and in cooperation with the Association of European Performers’ Organisations (AEPO-ARTIS), and the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) on November 24-25, 2008 in Brussels.
Top government officials, representatives of the creative industries, civil society and academics will gather in Bali for a meeting organized jointly by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism on December 2 and 3, 2008 to examine the potential of the creative industries in Asia and the role intellectual property (IP) in harnessing the increasing value of this sector. Lord David Puttnam, British film producer and politician, will be the keynote speaker at the Conference. Lord Puttnam has produced award-winning films such as Chariots of Fire and Midnight Express.
WIPO member states meeting under the auspices of the Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights met from November 3 to 7 November 2008 to review a number of key copyright issues. Under the chairmanship of Mr. Jukka Liedes of Finland, the SCCR examined the current state of play WIPO’s work on limitations and exceptions, the protection of audiovisual performances and the protection of broadcasting organizations. Discussions also featured the question of access to copyright-protected content by visually impaired persons.
As of October 1, 2008, the terms of two key international copyright treaties will extend to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR). The Government of the People’s Republic of China has notified the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) that it has extended application of the WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT) and the WIPO Phonograms and Performances Treaty (WPPT) – known as the “Internet Treaties” - to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. These treaties which entered into force in 2002 bring the international system of copyright and related rights more in line with the challenges of the digital age.
A meeting jointly organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Society for Economic Research on Copyright Issues (SERCI) in Geneva on 10 and 11 July, 2008 examined the economic importance of copyright and underlined the need for further research on the role of copyright in the creative industries.
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in cooperation with the International Digital Preservation and Copyright initiative (IDPC) is organizing a one-day workshop on July 15, at WIPO’s Geneva headquarters, to survey recent developments and trends at the intersection of digital preservation and copyright. The aim of the workshop is to contribute to the debate on how to develop and improve policies and practices that support the digital preservation of copyright-protected content.
Member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) agreed this week on elements of a program of work for the Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR). Meeting from March 10-12, 2008, the SCCR decided that it would continue to address issues such as the protection of broadcasting organizations and the protection of audiovisual performances, as well as exceptions and limitations.
The Fourth Global Congress on Combating Counterfeiting and Piracy will meet in Dubai from February 3-5, 2008 under the auspices of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ruler of Dubai. Senior officials from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and representatives of other international intergovernmental organizations, governments, regional and national enforcement agencies and business will attend the Congress to identify solutions to the escalating problems of counterfeiting and piracy. This is the first time the Global Congress is being held outside Europe.
Participants at an international conference on the role of intellectual property (IP) in the creative industries, held at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) on October 29-30, 2007, concluded with agreement that intellectual property (IP) is an essential element in harnessing the value and securing sustained development in the creative industries. Participants, which included ministers, high level policy makers, industry representatives and leading musicians, artists, academic and civil society representatives, further underlined the need to promote better understanding of the role and impact of IP on this dynamic sector which supports cultural identity and significantly contributes to economic development and wealth creation.
Government ministers, high level policy makers, industry representatives and leading musicians, artists, academia, and civil society representatives from across the globe underlined the critical importance of the creative sector in promoting cultural identity and in boosting economic development and wealth creation at a high-level conference on the role of intellectual property (IP) in the creative industries which opened at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) on October 29, 2007. The two-day conference is a unique platform for stakeholders to exchange views on the role of IP in the dynamic creative industries sector.
The World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) is organizing on October 29 and 30, 2007 at its Geneva headquarters an International Conference on Intellectual Property and the Creative Industries. In a high-level segment on October 29, senior government officials responsible for cultural affairs and intellectual property (IP) will reflect on creativity and its expression within different cultural contexts and policy environments. Throughout the conference, creative artists, academics and creative business representatives will speak on the creative process, factors that underpin the success of creative industries, the sector’s significance in contributing to economic and cultural development, and strategies to stimulate and promote creative activities in diverse settings.
Questions such as how authors, composers and artists receive payment for use of their work in the digital economy and new opportunities for managing creators’ rights electronically will be the focus of discussions at a conference organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) from October 17 to 19, 2007, at the Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America. Key issues such as the impact of new services and business models – file-sharing, pod casting, streaming and Internet video services – future technological trends, licensing techniques, fee structures and distribution and measures to combat illegal downloading, will all be addressed by participants at the Conference on Collective Management of Copyright and Related Rights in North America, which is open to the public.
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is hosting a Seminar on Rights Management Information at its Geneva headquarters on September 17, 2007. Rights management information (RMI) consists of metadata used to identify digital content and owners of rights, and to express licensing information in digital form. The seminar will explore the relevance of RMI, survey emerging technologies and standards, and identify challenges affecting copyright owners, Internet users and intermediaries such as search engines. The seminar will also address crucial questions such as ownership, licensing and management of IP as well as the tools used to manage creative content and identify users and owners.
Museums, and the broader cultural heritage community, now have access to a new guide, commissioned by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), to help them use the intellectual property (IP) system to improve the management of their collections in the digital environment.
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is hosting a seminar on "Legitimate Distribution of Copyright Works Online" in Singapore on July 10, 2007 – in cooperation with the Intellectual Property Office, and the Intellectual Property Academy of Singapore. Key players in online copyright businesses - lawyers, academics, businesspersons and policy-makers in the Asia-Pacific region - will shed light on this rapidly changing field. The progam is available at http://www.wipo.int/copyright/en/ldcw.html.
Member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) have decided that further discussions were required on various aspects of a treaty on the protection of broadcasting organizations before moving to a diplomatic conference. The decision came at the conclusion of the second special session of the Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR) from June 18 to 22, 2007 which had been mandated by the WIPO General Assembly in October 2006.
The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, met on March 28, 2007 with senior Bulgarian officials to discuss the strengthening of bilateral relations, in particular in the field of copyright.
The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, delivered a keynote statement at an international conference on copyright and development,opened by Egypt's First Lady, H.E Mrs. Suzanne Mubarak, in Cairo,on Saturday, January 27, 2007, and emphasized the importance of intellectual property as a tool for economic, social and cultural development. During a separate meeting with the First Lady, Dr. Idris thanked Mrs. Mubarak for her leadership in supporting projects to highlight the importance of the copyright sector in national economic, social and cultural development processes.
A key committee of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), acting on a mandate from the WIPO General Assembly, pushed ahead with negotiations on a treaty to update the protection of broadcasting organizations on a signal-based approach. The talks took place in the first of two special sessions of the Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR) from January 17-19, 2007.
Entrepreneurs, managers and staff of SMEs can now consult a WIPO publication that explains how copyright and related rights can be used to further strategic business goals.
In a move that signals entry into the final phase of treaty negotiations, the General Assembly of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) agreed today to convene a diplomatic conference from November 19 to December 7, 2007 to update the rights of broadcasting organizations. The objective of this diplomatic conference is to conclude a treaty on the protection of broadcasting organizations, including cablecasting organizations.
A key committee of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), agreed today to convene a diplomatic conference from July 11 to August 1, 2007 to update the rights of broadcasting organizations. This recommendation is to be endorsed by the WIPO General Assembly when it meets later this month. The objective of this diplomatic conference, the last phase of treaty negotiations, is to conclude a treaty on the protection of broadcasting organizations, including cablecasting organizations.
International experts, business leaders, academics, government delegates and policy makers will come together on June 21, 2006, in Barcelona, under the auspices of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the Catalan Broadcasting Council and the Barcelona Bar Association, to examine current technical, economic and legal realities in the field of broadcasting and identify areas for development.
Member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) advanced its work towards development of a treaty to update intellectual property (IP) standards for broadcasters in the digital age, at a meeting of the Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR) in Geneva from November 21 to 23, 2005. Mr. Jukka Liedes of Finland, Chairman of the SCCR highlighted the "high quality debates ... now higher than ever" and said that "there is today a much greater understanding of the concepts and issues contained in a second Revised Consolidated Text of treaty proposals.
Member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) examined on Monday, the impact of the copyright system on the use of protected works for educational purposes in both the analog and digital environments, particularly in developing countries. The meeting took place at the beginning of deliberations by the Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR) which is being held in Geneva from November 21 to 23, 2005.
Member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), agreed today to continue efforts to enhance the development dimension in all of the Organization's work and to build on the results of a process launched last autumn. The WIPO General Assembly, meeting in Geneva from September 26 to October 5, 2005, agreed to establish a provisional committee to accelerate and complete discussions on proposals relating to a WIPO development agenda.
The General Assembly of the World Intellectual Property Organization, meeting in Geneva from September 26 to October 5, 2005, agreed on Monday to accelerate its work relating to the protection of broadcasting organizations to update international intellectual property (IP) standards for broadcasting in the information age with a view to adopting an international treaty by 2007. Member states agreed to hold two further meetings of the Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights, which is overseeing the negotiations. This would pave the way for the General Assembly in autumn 2006 to recommend the convening of a diplomatic conference to conclude a treaty.
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) will host an online forum on Intellectual Property in the Information Society - from June 1 to 15, 2005 - at http://www.wipo.int/ipisforum/. The forum will provide a unique opportunity for all to contribute to the emerging debate on the value of intellectual property in the information society.
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) will host an international symposium on intellectual property (IP) education and research on June 30 and July 1, 2005. The event will bring together academics, education policy makers, and business managers responsible for company IP education, as well as IP professionals, students, and representatives of national, regional and international organizations who are interested in the area of IP education and research. The main focus of the symposium will be to explore ways to better integrate IP into education and research programs.
Marking the fifth World Intellectual Property Day on April 26, the Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, urged better understanding of the link between human creativity and intellectual property in daily life. The Director General released the following statement on the occasion of World Intellectual Property Day
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) will host a series of meetings in April and May 2005 on intellectual property and development.
The management of intellectual property in the online environment raises significant opportunities as well as challenges. On April 18, 2005, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) will host a seminar that brings together international experts and business leaders, academics, government delegates, civil society and policy makers to discuss issues relating to copyright liability of those who act as online intermediaries.
Member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) advanced towards development of a treaty to update intellectual property standards for broadcasters in the digital age, at a meeting of the twelfth session of the Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR) in Geneva from November 17 to 19, 2004. Delegates made substantial progress in narrowing differences on key issues contained in a Revised Consolidated Text of treaty proposals and member states called for accelerated progress towards conclusion of the Treaty.
Member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) made significant progress towards updating international intellectual property standards for broadcasting in the information age. The Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR), which met in Geneva from June 7 to 9, 2004, recommended that the WIPO General Assembly, the Organization's top decision-making body, consider convening a diplomatic conference on the protection of broadcasting organizations.
The economic and cultural value of copyright industries and the need to stem digital piracy around the world were the focus of discussions between Dr. Kamil Idris, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and Mr. Jack Valenti, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Motion Picture Association (MPA), at WIPO's Geneva headquarters on Tuesday, February 10, 2004. Dr. Idris and Mr. Valenti, a key figure in the fight against intellectual property theft, also stressed the importance of effective enforcement measures to ensure the growth of cultural industries.
Member states attending the Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR) of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) made progress this week in talks to update international standards on the protection of broadcasting organizations, bringing them in line with the realities of the information age.
A meeting held at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva on November 3, 2003 focused on how the visually impaired can access copyrighted materials in the on-line world in a legally-acceptable way. The meeting reviewed the current situation regarding the provision of copyrighted works to visually impaired people, and considered the technical, economic and legal aspects of ensuring access by the blind and partially sighted to written works in the on-line environment.
Member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) had useful discussions and made progress in identifying the scope of the rights to be granted to broadcasting organizations in a multilateral treaty which would, if adopted, update international regulations in this area bringing them in line with the realities of the information age.
The growing economic and cultural importance of copyright industries was the focus of discussions between the Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris and the Spanish Vice-Minister for Education, Culture and Sport, Mr. Mariano Zabía Lasala, on Tuesday, February 25, 2003. The meeting concluded with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Director General and the Vice Minister.
Member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) inched closer to agreement on the nature of the rights to be granted to broadcasting organizations in a multilateral treaty which would, if adopted, update international regulations in this area bringing them in line with the technological demands of the digital era.
The Assemblies of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) concluded on Tuesday following a review of activities over the past year and setting the agenda of the Organization for the next year.
An ad hoc informal meeting to resolve outstanding issues relating to the protection of performers in their audiovisual performances is expected to be held in the first half of 2003.
Measures to update the rights of broadcasting organizations, along with the question of protection for non-original databases, topped the agenda of a meeting of the World Intellectual Property Organization's (WIPO) Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR). The talks were intensive, fruitful and characterized by an open dialogue between various stakeholders, including policy-makers, representatives of broadcasting organizations, and related industries, such as music and films.
"The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Phonograms and Performances Treaty (WPPT), one of two key treaties that adapt copyright law to the digital age, entered into force on May 20, 2002. The first of these so-called "Internet treaties", the WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT), entered into force on March 6, 2002. The treaties set out the legal framework to safeguard the interests of creators in cyberspace and open new horizons for composers, artists, writers and others to use the Internet with confidence to create, distribute and control the use of their works within the digital environment."
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Copyright Treaty (WCT), one of two key treaties that will bring copyright law in line with the digital age, entered into force on March 6, 2002.
Honduras on February 20, 2002 became the 30th country to join the WIPO Phonograms and Performances Treaty (WPPT), paving the way for its entry into force on May 20, 2002.
The entry into force of the the WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT) and the WIPO Phonograms and Performances Treaty (WPPT) in 2002 marked a milestone in the history of copyright law.
Gabon's accession on December 6, 2001 to the WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT) paves the way for entry into force of this key treaty that will bring copyright law in line with the digital age, a move welcomed by the Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris.
The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, met on November 30, 2001 with representatives of Mexico's National Association of Performers (ANDI) and government officials for an exchange of views on enhancing copyright protection and promoting the rights of creators in Mexico. The delegation also awarded Dr. Idris with the "Dolores del Río" medal in recognition of his efforts to defend the rights of performers.
The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, opened the Organization's Second International Conference on Electronic Commerce and Intellectual Property by noting the evolving nature of the digital environment.
In light of a growing piracy problem in many parts of the world, protection of the rights of broadcasting organizations topped the agenda of the fifth session of the World Intellectual Property Organization's (WIPO) Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR), from May 7 to 11, 2001. Delegates reiterated their commitment to strengthen existing protection in view of transmissions using new technologies, including the Internet, cable and satellite television.
Leading experts attending a meeting in Geneva organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) agreed that intellectual property rights pose special challenges for private international lawyers handling cross-border disputes. The successful resolution of these questions often calls for solutions that are tailored to specific intellectual property rights, such as patents, trademarks and copyright. Some 200 participants attending the WIPO Forum on Private International Law and Intellectual Property on January 30 and 31, 2000 discussed the intellectual property implications of the global reach of the Internet and the rapid growth of electronic commerce, particularly, in relation to the jurisdiction of courts, applicable law and enforcement of judgements.
As the curtain lifted on the final leg of international negotiations to conclude a treaty to safeguard the rights of performers against unauthorized use of their work in audiovisual media, the Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, wished delegates success in their deliberations. Opening the Diplomatic Conference on the Protection of Audiovisual Performances, which is taking place in Geneva from December 7 to 20, the Director General said adoption of this international instrument would represent a milestone in creating a comprehensive system of copyright and related rights protection that is adapted to the challenges and opportunities of digital and networked technologies.
Talks to conclude a multilateral agreement that will facilitate the international exchange of films and television programs by harmonizing national laws governing the rights of performers in their audiovisual work will be held in Geneva from December 7 to 20, 2000. The Diplomatic Conference on the Protection of Audiovisual Performances is expected to finalize an international instrument to safeguard the rights of performers against the unauthorized use of their performances in audiovisual media, such as television, film and video.
In high level meetings at the European Commission (EC) in Brussels, the Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, urged the 15-nation bloc to speed up ratification of the so-called "Internet Treaties" - agreements that adapt the international system of copyright and related rights to the digital age. Dr. Idris held on November 23, 2000 a series of constructive and wide-ranging talks with the President of the European Commission Mr. Romano Prodi and Commissioner Mr. Frits Bolkestein. The discussions reflected the positive spirit of collaboration between the EC and WIPO on intellectual property in the face of growing challenges posed by globalization, the rapidly changing digital economy and cutting-edge technologies.
At the first meeting of a new committee on enforcement on October 19 and 20, 2000, member states asked the secretariat of the World Intellectual Property Organization to initiate a series of studies aimed at promoting more effective enforcement of industrial property rights all over the world. The representatives from the 57 member states and several intergovernmental and non-governmental international organizations in attendance also agreed on a general framework for future talks in the area of enforcement.
A new exhibition at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) on the theme "Music in the Digital Age" will be inaugurated on Monday, September 25. The exhibition will look at how digital technologies and the Internet are transforming the process of creating, distributing, storing and accessing music in today's on-line world.
For the second year running, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is supporting a major local arts and cultural festival, the Festival de la Bâtie, as a sign of the Organization's commitment to promoting and encouraging the creative arts, as well as artists and performers.
Member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) have endorsed the convening of a Diplomatic Conference from December 7 to 20, 2000 to establish an international agreement on the rights of performers in their audiovisual performances.
Representatives from some 80 member States of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) met from November 16 to 20, 1999 to discuss issues relating to copyright and related rights. At this third session of the Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR), delegates looked at three issues in particular, namely, the protection of audiovisual performances, protection of databases and protection of the rights of broadcasting organizations. Nine intergovernmental and 44 non-governmental organizations also participated in the discussions.
The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, welcomed the ratification on Friday by Argentina and Slovenia of two WIPO treaties which establish basic standards of protection for copyright and related rights on the Internet and other digital networks, the WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT) and the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT).
The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, wrapped up the International Conference on Electronic Commerce and Intellectual Property on Thursday by presenting a ten-point plan that sets out a Digital Agenda for WIPO.
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) will submit to its member States the "Digital Agenda" it drafted following a three-day meeting in Geneva from September 14 to 16, 1999 that brought together some 700 high-level representatives from government, industry and other interested parties.
The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, opened on Tuesday the International Conference on Electronic Commerce and Intellectual Property, which will take place from September 14 to 16, 1999, before an audience of some 700 participants from industry, government, interest groups and the media.
The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, welcomed on Tuesday the ratification by the United States of America of two WIPO treaties which establish the basic standards of protection for copyright and related rights on the Internet and other digital networks, the WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT) and the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT).
The multi-billion dollar electronic commerce industry will be the focus of attention of some 700 delegates at a major international conference in Geneva from 14 to 16 September 1999. The International Conference on Electronic Commerce and Intellectual Property, hosted by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), will for the first time at an international level address the global implications of electronic commerce, with a focus on intellectual property.
The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, participated in celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of Japan's Copyright Law on July 22, 1999. This historic event was marked by a commemorative ceremony, which took place in the presence of His Majesty Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan.
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), is supporting a major local arts and cultural festival, the Festival de la Bâtie, as a sign of the Organization's commitment to promoting and encouraging the creative arts, as well as artists and performers. The partnership also serves to reinforce the importance that the Director General of WIPO, Dr. Kamil Idris, attaches to reinforcing links with the local population, who stand to benefit most from the cultural enrichment and entertainment provided by arts festivals such as the Festival de la Bâtie.
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) administers twenty-one (21) treaties in the field of intellectual property, fifteen (15) of which are in the field of industrial property and six (6) in copyright. WIPO administers some twenty-one (21) treaties in the field of intellectual property. During 1998, eighty-six (86) instruments of accession to or ratification of treaties administered by WIPO were deposited with the Director General of WIPO. In 1997, sixty (60) such instruments were deposited with the Director General. The continuing adherence to WIPO-administered treaties reflects growing recognition of the importance of intellectual property rights in an era of increased globalization.
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) launched a joint initiative earlier this year to assist the developing countries to meet the January 1, 2000 deadline for implementation of the TRIPS Agreement. The Directors General of the two Organizations, Dr. Kamil Idris of WIPO and Mr. Renato Ruggiero of WTO, sent joint communications on July 21, 1998, to the Ministers responsible for WIPO and WTO in each of the developing countries concerned. The communication underscored the two Organizations' commitment to help developing countries bring their laws on patents, trademarks, copyright and other areas of intellectual property into line with the TRIPS Agreement, as well as provide for effective enforcement of these laws.
The World Intellectual Property Organization will be holding for the first time a session of the Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights in Geneva from November 2 to 10, 1998.
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) have agreed on a joint initiative to provide technical cooperation for developing countries. The purpose is to help developing countries which are members of the WTO meet the January 1, 2000 deadline-less than a year and a half away-for conforming with the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). This process involves bringing their laws on copyright, patents, trademarks and other areas of intellectual property into line with the agreement, and providing for effective enforcement of these laws in order to deal with piracy, counterfeit goods and other forms of intellectual property infringements.
From June 8 to 12, the second session of the Committee of Experts on a Protocol Concerning Audiovisual Performances was held at the headquarters of WIPO.