36th SCCR: CIS Statement on Limitations and Exceptions Agenda

Posted by Anubha Sinha at May 31, 2018 09:40 AM |
Anubha Sinha, attending the 36th Session of the World Intellectual Property Organization (“WIPO”) Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (“SCCR”) at Geneva from May 28, 2018 to June 1, 2018, made this statement on the Limitations and Exceptions agenda on behalf of CIS on Day 3, May 30.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I’m speaking on behalf of the Centre for Internet and Society, India.

As we move forward on this agenda, we believe that for a true balance to be realised, the rights of all users of copyrighted works will have to be treated on par with those of the rightholders for purposes of access to knowledge.  We are disappointed with the state of the limitations and exceptions in the broadcast treaty, that made some progress yesterday (in terms of increasing rights).

Further, as we have submitted earlier, it is our belief that the present international legal framework does not sufficiently address the opportunities presented by new information and communication technologies. We reiterate the need for open ended exceptions and limitations in this area - which should also facilitate smooth cross border exchange of knowledge.

Thank you.