Special 301 Report/2011/Annex 2

by Office of the United States Trade Representative

ANNEX 2. THE WIPO PERFORMANCES AND PHONOGRAMS TREATY (WPPT)
AND THE WIPO COPYRIGHT TREATY (WCT)

The United States continues to work with other governments, in consultation with U.S. copyright industries and other affected sectors, to develop strategies to address global IPR issues. In 1996, the WIPO concluded two copyright treaties, the WIPO Copyright Treaty and the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty. Following their entry into force in 2002, these treaties have raised the standard of copyright protection around the world, particularly with regard to Internet based delivery of copyrighted content. The WIPO Internet Treaties have clarified exclusive rights and require signatories to provide effective legal remedies against the circumvention of certain technological measures that protect copyrighted content in online environments. A growing number of trading partners are implementing the WIPO Internet Treaties to create a legal environment conducive to investment and growth in Internet-related businesses, services, and technologies.

As of April 2011, there are 87 contracting parties of the WPPT and 88 contracting parties to the WCT. Other trading partners have implemented key provisions of these treaties in their national laws without formally ratifying them. The United States urges other governments to ratify and implement the provisions of the WIPO Internet Treaties.