Communication to SCCR delegates regarding the beneficiaries of a new WIPO treaty for copyright exceptions for disabilities
12 November 2010
The delegates to the SCCR are considering various proposals to deal with expanded access to copyrighted works by persons who are blind or who have other disabilities.
The proposal sponsored by Brazil, Ecuador, Mexico and Paraguay would extend the benefits of the treaty, not only to persons who are blind or visually impaired, but also as follows:
WIPO SCCR21: Group B proposal on a work program for Copyright exceptions and limitations
Today, Wednesday November 10 2010, during the 3rd day of the WIPO SCCR21, the Group B presented a proposal for a Work Program on copyright exceptions and limitations for the WIPO SCCR. Group B is the negotiation group that groups developed countries like US, EU, Switzerland and others.
The proposal is available here
WIPO releases program for ‘Global Meeting on Emerging Copyright Licensing Modalities’
In advance of the 21st session of the WIPO Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR 21), WIPO is holding a Global Meeting on Emerging Copyright Licensing Modalities on 4-5 November 2010 in Geneva which endeavors to facilitate ‘Access to Culture in the Digital Age’. The program for this Global Meeting can be found here: http://www.wipo.int/meetings/en/2010/wipo_cr_lic_ge_10/program.html.
WIPO Scoping Study on Copyright and Related Rights and the Public Domain (released May 2010)
On 7 May 2010 the WIPO Secretariat published a paper entitled “WIPO Scoping Study on Copyright and Related Rights and the Public Domain” prepared by Professor Séverine Dusollier (Professor, University of Namur, Belgium). This study was produced as an output of the WIPO Committee on Development and Intellectual Property’s (CDIP) thematic project on intellectual property and the public domain which is predicated upon Recommendations 16 and 20 of the Development Agenda.
WIPO Scoping Study on Copyright and Related Rights and the Public Domain (released May 2010)
In May 2010 the WIPO Secretariat published a paper entitled “WIPO Scoping Study on Copyright and Related Rights and the Public Domain” prepared by Professor Séverine Dusollier (Professor, University of Namur, Belgium). This study was produced as an output of the WIPO Committee on Development and Intellectual Property’s (CDIP) thematic project on intellectual property and the public domain which is predicated upon Recommendations 16 and 20 of the Development Agenda.
Asian Group’s opening statement at WIPO’s Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights
On 21 June, 2010, Thailand, on behalf of the Asian Group, a regional grouping at WIPO which includes Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Tonga, United Arab Emirates, Viet Nam, Yemen made the following opening statement at the 20 Continue Reading
2008 U.S. Copyright Office Memo concluded that export of accessible works is not legal under U.S. law
In briefings about the WIPO proposal for a treaty for persons who are blind or have other disabilities, the U.S. government has sent mixed signals regarding the legality of exporting of accessible works created under exceptions in U.S. law. In some informal briefings and conversations, the U.S. government has said such exports are allowed under U.S. law. At other times, they say they are not.
KEI has obtained a June 12, 2008 memo from the U.S. Copyright Office, written by Neil Conley to David Carson, that analyzes the possible extraterritorial effects of the Chafee Amendment.
Costs and Benefits of the US Proposal to WIPO SCCR on Copyright Exceptions for Disabilities
On May 27, 2010, the US government presented to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR), a proposal for a “Consensus Instrument” for persons with disabilities related to reading printed publications.
DOJ files amicus brief supporting controversial use of copyright claim to block parallel trade of Omega watches
In a parallel trade case involving Costco, a popular discount outlet, and Omega, the Swiss watchmaker, the US Department of Justice has come down against U.S. consumers, backing the Swiss companies use of copyright laws to block imports of watches sold at lower prices outside of the US, by Omega. A copy of the DOJ brief is available here. Costco filed a response, which is available here.
WIPO Open-ended Consultations on Copyright Limitations and Exceptions for Persons with Print Disabilities
On April 23, 2010 and May 27-28, 2010, WIPO will hold open-ended consultations on copyright limitations and exceptions for persons with print disabilities and on the protection of audiovisual performances as mandated by the conclusions of the 19th session of the WIPO Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR).