WIPO SCCR 19: U.S. Committed to Better Copyright Exceptions

The U.S. delegation to the World Intellectual Property Organization delivered a statement on its commitment to addressing copyright exceptions for persons with print disabilities: "The United States believes that the time has come for WIPO Members to work toward some form of international consensus on basic, necessary limitations and exceptions in copyright law for persons with print disabilities. This international consensus could take multiple forms, including a model law endorsed by the SCCR, a detailed Joint Recommendation to be adopted by the WIPO General Assemblies, and/or a multilateral treaty. The United States is open to discussing and exploring all these options."

The U.S. statement has rejected claims that addressing exceptions would weaken copyright law: "We recognize that some in the international copyright community believe that any international consensus on substantive limitations and exceptions to copyright law would weaken international copyright law. The United States does not share that point of view. The United States is committed to both better exceptions in copyright law and better enforcement of copyright law. Indeed, as we work with countries to establish consensus on proper, basic exceptions within copyright law, we will ask countries to work with us to improve the enforcement of copyright. This is part and parcel of a balanced international system of intellectual property." More information is available on the Knowledge Ecology International blog.