International Issues

Issues at WIPO

WIPO Standing Committee for Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR): Ongoing discussions regarding international protection for broadcasting organizations; Ongoing discussions regarding Limitations and Exceptions
WIPO Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC): Ongoing discussions on Folklore / Traditional Cultural Expressions
WIPO Work on Copyright Registration and Documentation
WIPO Committee on Development and Intellectual Property (CDIP)
WIPO Advisory Committee on Enforcement (ACE)

Original works of expression that are eligible for copyright protection are protected under national copyright laws. Protection against unauthorized use in a particular country depends on the national laws of that country; in other words, copyright protection depends on the national laws where protection is sought. International copyright conventions and treaties have been developed to establish obligations for treaty member countries to adhere to, and implement in their national laws, thus providing more certainty and understanding about the levels of copyright protection in particular countries.

About Us

The Office of Policy and International Affairs (“PIA”) is headed by the Associate Register of Copyrights and Director of Policy and International Affairs, who is an expert copyright attorney and one of four legal advisors to the Register. This Office assists the Register with critical policy functions of the U.S. Copyright Office, including domestic and international policy analyses, legislative support, and trade negotiations. PIA represents the U.S. Copyright Office at meetings of government officials concerned with the international aspects of intellectual property protection, and provides regular support to Congress and its committees on statutory amendments and construction.

The Office of Policy and International Affairs at the U.S. Copyright Office (PIA)

WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT) (1996)

WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT) (1996)

Frequently Asked Questions about the Marrakesh Treaty Implementation Act prepared by the U.S. Copyright Office

Amendments to the Copyright Act as a result of the Marrakesh Treaty Implementation Act

Public Law No. 115-261, S. 2559, The Marrakesh Treaty Implementation Act

The Marrakesh Treaty in Action, Blog by Register Perlmutter (February 2021)

The Marrakesh Treaty Implementation Act, Blog by the Acting Register Temple (October 2018)

Report No. 115-261 by the Senate Judiciary Committee (June 4, 2018)

Errata to Report No. 115-261 (June 4, 2018)

Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired, or Otherwise Print Disabled (entered into force September 30, 2016)

WIPO Initiatives, the Accessible Books Consortium