WIPO SCCR Constructs Library Exceptions Topics For Discussion

The World Intellectual Property Organization copyright committee today agreed on “clusters” of topics under which they will discuss topics related to limitations and exceptions to copyright for libraries and archives, with an eye toward a possible instrument in the future. And this evening, a special meeting of ambassadors was held with the World Blind Union and the International Publishers Association, aimed at bridging differences on a separate but related treaty proposal on limitations and exceptions for print-disabled readers.

The special meeting was to be hosted by Ambassador Juan José Gomez Camacho of Mexico (chair of the copyright committee), Ambassador Hisham Badr of Egypt, and Ambassador Betty King of the United States, and discussion among members was to be held along with presentations. WIPO Director General Francis Gurry also was present.

The Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR) is meeting from 21 November to 2 December.

The formation of clusters gives structure to a discussion on proposed text for a treaty on exceptions and limitations for libraries and archives, as well as language containing principles and objectives for consideration. Two proposals and other language were under discussion this week (IPW, WIPO, 22 November 2011).

According to participants, members’ comments submitted in writing by Friday will be drawn into a document by the secretariat distributed on Monday. But additional comments will still be accepted for two or three months, according to a participant. Elements of the proposals will be placed under relevant clusters, and the comments will be reflected as well, they said.

The document states:

“Limitations and Exceptions: Libraries and Archives, List of topics to be discussed by Delegations.”

1. Preservation
2. Right of reproduction
3. Legal deposit
4. Library lending
5. Parallel importations
6. Cross-border uses
7. Orphan works, retracted and withdrawn works
8. Liability of libraries and archives
9. Technological measures of protection
10. Contracts

An eleventh item potentially on the list is the right to translate documents, raised by Egypt, according to a participant. The concern is about having possession of a work in one language and being able to translate it into another more practical for the local population.