WIPO Members Favour Library Exceptions, But By Different Means (SCCR/27)

From Intellectual Property Watch:

The 27th session of the Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR) is taking place from 28 April to 2 May.
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The World Intellectual Property Organization copyright committee this week  has sunk its teeth into the issue of exceptions and limitations to copyright for libraries and archives. Some countries are pushing for a treaty to establish such exceptions while others find that the existing copyright system provides for it.
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The weeklong meeting is split into two main subjects. First was a proposed treaty to protect broadcasters’ rights, which was discussed during the first two-and-a-half days. SCCR delegates then turned their attention to exceptions and limitations for libraries and archives.
There is not yet agreement on how exceptions should be granted. Some countries are seeking a treaty, some others, mainly developed countries, are of the opinion that the current copyright system provides for such exceptions and this issue should be dealt with at national level.
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The US said libraries and archives need “adequate and appropriate exceptions and limitations in national laws” to be able to carry out their public service roles. The delegate said the US does not support “binding norm setting at the international level.” At WIPO level, the US delegate said it would be “extremely valuable to find consensus on the general objectives and principles that should inform and guide the development of such exceptions and limitations at national level.”

Read the Complete Article (1339 Words)
Draft Document Being Discussed at Meeting (PDF) and Other Meeting Materials

Additional Coverage From Knowledge Economy International

• SCCR 27 Difficult Discussion re Orphan Works & Author Right to Withdraw Work from Circulation

• Governments Interventions on Limitation of Liability for Libraries (some may surprise you)

• KEI intervention on Library Access to Orphan works, at SCCR 27

• The Need for an International Agreement on Orphan Works? A Large Coalition of Librarians & Archivists Make the Case at SCCR 27

• SCCR 27 Topic 2: Libraries & Archives

Coverage and Materials from International Federation of Library Associations

• IFLA advocates for copyright treaty for libraries and archives in Geneva

• Statements by IFLA at SCCR 27

Note: Twenty-Eighth Session (SCCR/28) is scheduled to take place June 30-July 4, 2014

Filed under: Archives and Special Collections, Associations and Organizations, Libraries, News