WIPO Copyright Treaty

General Information

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What is it about?

This instrument, which supplements the Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works (Bern, 9 September 1886), updates the legal provisions to protect copyrights in the light of digital technologies. According to its provisions, computer programs benefit from the protection as literary works within the meaning of Article 2 of the Bern Convention of 1886. It also ensures that compilations of data (databases) or other material, in any form, which by reason of the selection or arrangement of their contents constitute intellectual creations, are protected as such. Applying mutatis mutandis the provisions of the Bern Convention, the WIPO Copyright Treaty gives authors the exclusive right to authorize the distribution, the renting and the public communication of their works. Additionally, State parties are required to adopt laws designed to punish those responsible for copyright infringements. Exceptionally, State parties may apply limitations or exceptions to the rights granted if these restrictions do not conflict with a normal exploitation of the work and do not unreasonably prejudice the legitimate interests of the author.

Why is it relevant?

The present Treaty protects authors from unauthorized usage of their work via modern technologies not covered by the Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works (Bern, 9 September 1886).

Additional Information

In the case of a conflict, the provisions of the 1886 Bern Convention prevail over the provisions of the present Treaty. The Special Union created by this Convention is composed of an Assembly and the International Bureau of WIPO. Only WIPO member States may become a party to this instrument.

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