[A2k] UPD at WIPO: opposes the inclusion of Webcasting in any treaty

[James Love]

The Union for the Public Domain (UPD) opposes the inclusion of
Webcasting in any treaty

The Internet is popular with the public because it is delivering
things they value, in terms of content, as well as the methods of
delivery and making content accessible.

In 1996, WIPO created the two new Internet treaties -- the WCT and
the WPPT.  The 1996 treaties were matters of first impression.  There
were motivated by concerns about infringements of copyrighted works.
The treaties were enacted, and now countries are struggling to
implement them.  Today, they remain controversial.

The webcasting treaty is something much different.  It is not
protecting copyright, it is creating something brand new, untested,
and we believe, unwanted, for the Internet.

We would take the position of the US or other supporters of
webcasting more seriously, if they would adopt laws on webcasting in
their own countries, and report on their experience.   It is telling
and somewhat off-putting that we are being asked to rush toward a new
treaty on webcasting, when the countries that are pushing for this
have never attempted such regulation in their own communities.

The Union for the Public Domain asks that WIPO not engage in piracy
of the public domain, by stealing the public=92s knowledge, and
allowing webcasters to claim an ownership right.   The UPD also asks
WIPO not to create barriers to works that are licensed for free
public use under creative commons licenses.

Thank you Mr. Chairman.

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James Love, CPTech / www.cptech.org / mailto:james.love@cptech.org /
tel. +1.202.332.2670 / mobile +1.202.361.3040