2012 WIPO Diplomatic Conference Final Phase of Treaty Negotiations

Toronto — ACTRA welcomes the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) announcement to reconvene a diplomatic conference in 2012 to conclude an international treaty on the rights of performers in their audiovisual performances.

“Canadian performers and our global colleagues are pleased that governments have recognised the urgent need for a WIPO AV Performances Treaty,” states ACTRA’s National Executive Director Stephen Waddell. “The leaders of our union have worked closely with performers around the globe over the past 12 years to advance the process for concluding a treaty to protect the rights and livelihoods of all audiovisual performers. We look forward to participating in the Diplomatic Conference next year – the final stage of negotiations to finalise a Treaty.”

In 2000, WIPO was close to adopting the AV Performance Treaty, but the Diplomatic Conference at the time floundered over one article. Copyright and intellectual property rights have since increased in profile and importance in our digital age. Performers need a WIPO AV Treaty now.

ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists) is the national organization of professional performers working in the English-language recorded media in Canada. ACTRA represents the interests of 22,000 members across Canada – the foundation of Canada’s highly acclaimed professional performing community.

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Full report of all deliberations and decisions (item 44)
AFM & FIM Endorse WIPO AV Treaty
SAG Applauds Progress on International Treaty to Protect Performers
World Intellectual Property Organization

Contact: Carol Taverner, Public Relations Officer, ACTRA, Tel: 416.644.1519, ctaverner@actra.ca