WIPO’s Global Copyright Policy Priorities: The Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired, or Otherwise Print Disabled

Abstract

In the twenty-first century with its global race for economic success and prosperity it is the interests of the developing countries, the weak and disabled that need particular support. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has ever since its establishment in 1967 played a crucial role in governing global intellectual (IP) protection with particular emphasis on such interests. In line with this crucial role, 2013 marks a special year with the conclusion of the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons who are Blind, Visually Impaired or otherwise Print Disabled (Marrakesh Treaty). The Marrakesh Treaty constitutes a landmark in global copyright policy as it increases access to information for millions of visually impaired people around the world, and in particular in developing countries. In addition to the conclusion of the Marrakesh Treaty WIPO policies have placed particular emphasis on developing policies, innovation policies, and on environmental policies. In the light of these priorities, the following paper provides, first, an overview of WIPO priorities and developments in 2013. Second, it analyses in more detail the Marrakesh Treaty as key WIPO development of 2013. It will provide a background to the Treaty, an overview of the Treaty efforts, an analysis of the objections to the treaty, an account of the treaty obligations, its implementation, and finally, a brief evaluation of the Treaty.