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A new World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) treaty which includes new standards for the protection of audiovisual performances has been signed by the UK today
The treaty sets out new standards of international protection for actors, dancers, singers and musicians, providing a number of rights including the right to control the broadcasting, copying and distribution of performances.
The treaty builds on earlier agreements that gave similar rights to performers whose performances are only captured in sound.
Minister for Intellectual Property Lord Younger said:
Today’s signing marks a significant breakthrough in providing better protection for those in the creative arts.
The treaty recognises the value of creative artists whose performances we enjoy in our cinemas, at the theatre and on television.
This treaty adds to the measures that the government is pursuing in creating the right environment for a stronger creative industry sector in the UK.
Specifically the rights will include:
- providing moral rights to performers to prevent lack of attribution or distortion of their performances,
- providing protection in the digital environment,
- strengthening the position of performers in the audiovisual industry by providing a clearer international legal framework for their protection, and
- providing safeguards against the unauthorised use of their performances in audiovisual media such as television and film.