WIPO Copyright Treaty
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The WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT) is an international treaty administered by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) that addresses copyright protection in the digital environment. It was adopted in 1996 and entered into force on 6 March 2002. The WCT complements the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works and aims to adapt copyright law to the challenges posed by digital technology and the internet. The WCT contains provisions that require signatory countries to provide stronger protection for copyright works in the digital realm.
Copyright protection for digital works: The WCT recognises that copyright protection should be extended to digital works such as computer programs, databases, and compilations of data. It ensures that authors and right holders have the same rights in the digital environment as they do in the analog world.
Technological protection measures: The WCT emphasises the importance of technological protection measures, such as encryption and access control systems, that right holders may use to safeguard their works from unauthorised access, copying, and distribution. It obliges signatory countries to provide legal protection against the circumvention of these measures.
Rights management information: The WCT recognises the significance of rights management information, such as copyright notices and metadata, in identifying and protecting copyright works. It requires signatory countries to provide legal protection against the removal or alteration of such information, which is important for the proper management and enforcement of copyright.
Limitations and exceptions: The WCT recognises that signatory countries may establish limitations and exceptions to copyright for certain purposes, such as education, research, and the disabled. However, it emphasises that these limitations should be subject to the three-step test, which ensures that they do not unreasonably conflict with the normal exploitation of the work and do not unreasonably prejudice the legitimate interests of the right holder.
The WIPO Copyright Treaty aims to foster international cooperation and harmonisation in copyright protection, particularly in the context of digital technologies and the internet. It provides a framework for addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age and helps ensure that copyright laws are effective and adaptable in the global digital environment.
Copyright protection for digital works: The WCT recognises that copyright protection should be extended to digital works such as computer programs, databases, and compilations of data. It ensures that authors and right holders have the same rights in the digital environment as they do in the analog world.
Technological protection measures: The WCT emphasises the importance of technological protection measures, such as encryption and access control systems, that right holders may use to safeguard their works from unauthorised access, copying, and distribution. It obliges signatory countries to provide legal protection against the circumvention of these measures.
Rights management information: The WCT recognises the significance of rights management information, such as copyright notices and metadata, in identifying and protecting copyright works. It requires signatory countries to provide legal protection against the removal or alteration of such information, which is important for the proper management and enforcement of copyright.
Limitations and exceptions: The WCT recognises that signatory countries may establish limitations and exceptions to copyright for certain purposes, such as education, research, and the disabled. However, it emphasises that these limitations should be subject to the three-step test, which ensures that they do not unreasonably conflict with the normal exploitation of the work and do not unreasonably prejudice the legitimate interests of the right holder.
The WIPO Copyright Treaty aims to foster international cooperation and harmonisation in copyright protection, particularly in the context of digital technologies and the internet. It provides a framework for addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age and helps ensure that copyright laws are effective and adaptable in the global digital environment.
