On November 2-7, 2008, member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (“WIPO”) met to discuss several copyright issues pertinent to its members. As referenced within the WIPO press release (link below), conference issues included “Limitations and Exceptions: Access for Visually Impaired People” (acknowledging “the special needs of disabled persons (including the blind, visually impaired and other reading-disabled persons) and stress[ing] the importance of addressing those needs”), “Audiovisual Performances” (where member states expressed “their commitment to develop the international protection of performers in their audiovisual performances”), and “Broadcasting Organizations” (including “discussions on the protection of broadcasting organizations with a view to concluding an international instrument”). This conference was preceded by a two day seminar including the following presentations (in PDF format):

“WIPO Study on Limitations and Exceptions of Copyright and Related Rights in the Digital Environment” (PDF LINK)

“WIPO Study on Automated Rights Management Systems and Copyright Limitations and Exceptions” (PDF LINK)

“WIPO Study on Copyright Limitations and Exceptions for the Visually Impaired” (PDF LINK)

“WIPO Study on Copyright Limitations and Exceptions for Libraries and Archives” (PDF LINK)

“Summary of the Outcome of Seminars and Stocktaking of Positions on the Protection of Audiovisual Performances” (PDF LINK)

Additional information regarding the topics discussed at this conference is provided within the WIPO press release link below.

WIPO Press Release: LINK