The Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances

Abstract

In June 2012, the Beijing Diplomatic Conference of the WIPO adopted the Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances. This is the first international treaty covering a comprehensive protection of audiovisual performances, which have been largely excluded from protection under the Rome Convention, the TRIPS Agreement and the WPPT. It largely follows the provisions of the WPPT, and includes an article on the transfer of rights from the performer to the film producer, which leaves discretion to Connecting States how (if at all) to regulate this issue. The Treaty will enter into force upon 30 ratifications. This article presents the development and contents of the Treaty by way of a first assessment.

Keywords: audiovisual performances, international protection, Treaty of Beijing 2012, transfer of rights, Development Agenda, Diplomatic Conference, WIPO, equitable remuneration