WIPO Beijing Treaty on audio-visual performances adoption

Early day motion 720, tabled 14 July 2020 by Jim Shannon (DUP). Signed by 4 members.

That this House welcomes the World Intellectual Property Organisation’s Beijing Treaty on Audio-Visual Performances which came into force on 28 April 2020; notes that the aim of the Treaty is to to extend the economic and moral rights of actors and performers in audio-visual performances including films, videos and television programs; is concerned that not all signatories who have ratified the Treaty have done so in ways that are consistent with this aim; recognises the importance of the audio-visual industry to the UK economy and the integral role played by audio-visual performers who enrich our daily lives with their craft; considers that ratifying the Treaty in such a way as to allow for the economic and moral rights of actors and performers to be immediately transferred to the producer undermines a performer’s remuneration right; understands the importance of the concept of national treatment to secure revenues from usage of work in other countries; and therefore calls on the Government to enable an early ratification of the Beijing Treaty in line with the Treaty’s clearly stated aims, and further calls on the Government to undertake early talks with secondary users to ensure a fair and affordable system for upholding performers’ rights.

Signatures by party: DUP 3, Scottish National Party 1.