WIPO phonograms and performances treaty is legal

IFACCA/Artshub,
28 May 2002, France

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has announced that its Phonograms and Performances Treaty (WPPT) entered into force on 20 May. One of two key treaties that aim to update existing copyright law to encompass digital advances – the other being the WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT), operating since 6 March this year – the WPPT ‘modernises and updates international standards of protection for performers… set out in the 1961 Rome Convention, to cover use of their performances on the internet,’ according to a news release. ‘This is a milestone in the history of copyright law,’ commented WIPO’s Director General Dr Kamil Idris, ‘The entry into force of the WIPO “Internet treaties” is a significant first step in creating the conditions necessary for the broad based and legitimate distribution of creative works and recordings on the internet... The full benefit of these treaties will, however, hinge on their widespread adoption by countries in all regions of the world.’ Idris noted that so far 35 nations had ratified the WCT, while 34 had ratified the WPPT. Meanwhile, at the latest meeting of WIPO's Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR), it was agreed that there is a need to define and clarify some terms and definitions, including 'broadcasting organisations', 'broadcasting', 'transmissions', 'signal', 'real-time streaming', and 'web-casting', in view of the impact of new technologies. Further information on the WPPT is available online at: www.wipo.int/about-ip/en/ For background to the WPPT, CLICK HERE Further information on the SCCR's meeting is available online at: www.wipo.int/news/en/2002/index.htm