Innovation Asset Blog

WIPO delegates, NGOs discuss IP exceptions for libraries

The 26th session of the WIPO Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR) is currently taking place. The first two days were devoted to discussions about broadcasting organizations, and the next two are set aside for talks on intellectual property law exceptions for libraries and archives.

Countries had opinions on the matter in line with past discussions, according to IP Watch. Developing countries emphasized a desire to participate in the creation of a legally binding instrument for all WIPO members, while developed countries tended to believe international copyright norms already allow for exceptions for institutions like libraries and archives and see no need for such an instrument. The U.S. in particular did not support setting exceptions for archives through treaties.

Non-governmental organizations took the floor to give their own views. Industry officials and creators of copyrighted content spoke of a treaty as superfluous and potentially damaging, while libraries and archives themselves voiced their support for a legally binding instrument. The latter cited inadequacies in existing procedures for exempt uses of copyrighted material by libraries and archives.

Peter Ackerman

Peter Ackerman

Founder & CEO, Innovation Asset Group, Inc.