International Treaty on IP Protection of Audiovisual Performances Adopted at WIPO Conference in Beijing
An international treaty on copyright protection for audiovisual performers was adopted at the Diplomatic Conference on the Protection of Audiovisual Performances convened by World International Property Organization (WIPO) during 20-26 June 2012 in Beijing. The conference was attended by 156 WIPO member states, 6 intergovernmental organizations and 45 non-governmental organizations.
The new treaty, named Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances in recognition of the city that hosted the final round of negotiations, has been signed by 48 countries by the close of the conference. This represents the intent of the signatories to examine the treaty domestically and consider ratification. The treaty will enter into force three months after it has got the ratification of 30 contracting parties.
The treaty is a significant step forward as it delivers the long-awited update of copyright protection for audiovisual performers such as actors and musicians under international legal framework. It also reflects a large consensus from countries around the world. The treaty will strengthen the economic rights of the audiovisual performers when their performances are used, including in digital environment, for instance, when their performances are distributed in DVDs via the Internet. It will also grant performers moral rights to prevent lack of attribution or distortion of their performances.
The conference was organised by National Copyright Administration of China (NCAC) and the Municipality of Beijing, and presided over by NCAC Minister Mr. Liu Binjie. Also attending the conference was Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Beijing Municipal Committee Mr. Liu Qi, Mayor of Beijing Mr. Guo Jinlong, NCAC Vice Minister Mr. Yan Xiaohong, and Deputy Mayor of Beijing Mr. Lu Wei.
