2010 Special 301 Report
by Office of the United States Trade Representative
Annex 2. The WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT) and the WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT)
21743592010 Special 301 Report — Annex 2. The WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT) and the WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT)Office of the United States Trade Representative

ANNEX 2. THE WIPO PERFORMANCES AND PHONOGRAMS TREATY (WPPT) AND
THE WIPO COPYRIGHT TREATY (WCT)

The United States continues to work with other governments, in consultation with U.S. copyright industries and other affected sectors, to develop strategies to address global IPR issues. In 1996, the WIPO concluded two copyright treaties, the WIPO Copyright Treaty and the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty. Following their entry into force in 2002, these treaties have raised the standard of IPR protection around the world, particularly with regard to Internet based delivery of copyrighted works. The WIPO Internet Treaties have clarified exclusive rights and require signatories to provide effective legal remedies against the circumvention of certain technological measures that protect copyrighted works in on-line environments. A growing number of countries are implementing the WIPO Internet Treaties to create a legal environment conducive to investment and growth in Internet-related businesses and technologies.

As of March 2010, there are 86 contracting parties of the WPPT and 88 contracting parties of the WCT. Membership has risen significantly as numerous EU Member States have joined. Other countries have implemented key provisions of these treaties in their national laws without formally ratifying them. The United States urges other governments to ratify and implement the provisions of the WIPO Internet Treaties.

The following eighteen trading partners became parties to the WPPT during November 2009-March 2010. Currently the WPPT has 86 contracting parties.

Country Date of Entry Into Force
Austria March 2010
Bosnia and Herzegovina November 2009
Denmark March 2010
Estonia March 2010
European Union March 2010
Finland March 2010
France March 2010
Germany March 2010
Greece March 2010
Ireland March 2010
Italy March 2010
Luxembourg March 2010
Malta March 2010
Netherlands March 2010
Portugal March 2010
Spain March 2010
Sweden March 2010
United Kingdom March 2010

The following nineteen trading partners became parties to the WCT during June 2009-March 2010. Currently the WCT has 88 contracting parties.

Country Date of Entry Into Force
Austria March 2010
Bosnia and Herzegovina November 2009
Denmark March 2010
Estonia March 2010
European Union March 2010
Finland March 2010
France March 2010
Germany March 2010
Greece March 2010
Ireland March 2010
Italy March 2010
Luxembourg March 2010
Malta March 2010
Netherlands March 2010
Portugal March 2010
Spain March 2010
Sweden March 2010
United Kingdom March 2010
Uruguay June 2009