I fly to Geneva, Switzerland tomorrow to attend the 16th session of the WIPO SCCR on behalf of libraries in my role as an International Copyright Advocate. There is an ambitious agenda, including items on protection of audiovisual performances, protection of broadcasting organizations, and exceptions and limitations. These are all important issues for libraries and academic institutions. Libraries rely on exceptions and limitations on copyright in order to place materials on course reserve, loan materials to other libraries, preserve materials, and so on. Additional protection for audiovisual performances may affect course reserves or distance learning, while additional protection for broadcasting may include contributory liability, making libraries or their academic institutions responsible for infringing acts of patrons, students, or employees.
Why do we care about international copyright law? We have seen the impact of WIPO treaties on U.S. copyright law. After the U.S. signed the WIPO Copyright Treaty, Congress was instructed to amend U.S. law to comply with this treaty. The Digital Millennium Copyright Act is the result. Treaties are one way for the executive branch to circumvent our democratic legislative process.
So I will update the blog as I am able during these discussions. I believe it will be an exciting week!
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