[A2k] Indiantelvision.com: WIPO working on new treaty for b'casters

[Thiru Balasubramaniam]

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http://www.indiantelevision.com/headlines/y2k5/apr/apr62.htm

WIPO working on new treaty for b'casters

*(6 April 2005 7:00 pm)

MUMBAI: With new technologies like broadband emerging, the Geneva-based
World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) is developing a treaty,
which will update the rights of broadcasters in a digital scenario.

WIPO has noted that broadcasters are facing an increase in costs for
acquiring properties. An example is the rights for sporting events like
cricket and the Olympics. TV advertising has slowed down in many
markets. However, this phenomenon is yet to hit India. In this global
environment subscription revenue has become the main source of income
for broadcasters.

Speaking at Frames, WIPO Deputy DG Rita Hayes said, "A competitive
broadcasting marketplace increasingly relies on diversified delivery
modes and the ability to sub-licence owned programmes. Broadcast signals
need to be traded on different platforms, be it cable or DTH.

"However very often broadcasters are not in a position to control how
their signals are being distributed. A CASBAA study shows that signal
theft is growing at the rate of 11 per cent a year. The acquired rights
lose all value when signals of premium content like sports events are
intercepted without payment and authorisation. The expected income from
sub-licensing to other channels is reduced to nothing," she said.

Hayes added that WIPO recognises that the time has come to anchor
broadcast rights in an international regulatory framework. This will
improve the performance of the broadcasting industry. She said all the
creative industries would benefit from a level playing field.
"Controlling signal piracy will legalise the content distribution
market," she explained.

With new technologies comes the threat of piracy. WIPO is assisting
member states in strengthening their enforcement mechanisms through
training activities for legal authorities and police. "However, many
countries are not doing enough to improve enforcement," said Hayes,
adding, "It's not surprising then that you find counterfeiting and
piracy are big businesses in many countries."

WIPO is working to convince policymakers in these countries that their
economies and citizens will benefit in many ways if piracy is arrested.
"We explain to countries that tolerating piracy will get them no respect
from the world," she said.

WIPO has several ways increasing awareness about piracy across the
world. When Dr Kamal Idris became WIPO DG he launched an Intellectual
Property demystification campaign. It means educating people that
intellectual property is not an obscure legal concept but a daily
occurrence in their lives.

Copyrights and patents make the world go round. The campaign also
Highlights the importance of giving due regard to the creative
industries. WIPO recently produced a mini-series on creativity called
Creative Planet.

Hayes concluded by urging India to make the most of its experience with
other countries. "Come to Geneva. Use the WIPO secretariat as a forum
for dialogue where nations can meet the challenges we all face. India is
a leader in the creative industries space," she said.