IPOS chief chairs UN copyright committee

Mr. Daren Tang, Chief Executive, Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS), assumed the Chairmanship of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO)[1] Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR), at its 34th Session in Geneva. As Chair, he will help steer the SCCR’s discussions on developments to the global copyright regime through his two-year stint.

The SCCR includes representatives from all 189 WIPO member states as well as the Berne Union. It is a platform for members to exchange insights and experiences on copyright matters, initiate international collaborations and facilitate international copyright agreements. An example of an outcome arising from SCCR discussions is the Marrakesh Treaty which facilitates access to published works for visually impaired or print disabled persons. WIPO, or the World Intellectual Property Organisation, is a specialised UN agency.[2]

Reportedly[3], the SCCR is currently discussing the scope of copyright protections (e.g. the limits and exceptions) with a focus on (i) educational activities, (ii) libraries and archives, and (iii) persons with disabilities (beyond Marrakesh Treaty). Another issue currently under review by the SCCR is the international protection of broadcasting organisations.

A 2014 WIPO[4] study found that copyright industries contributed an average 5.2 per cent to national gross domestic product (GDP) across 42 nations, and 5.3 per cent to national employment, the IPOS statement said. In Singapore, copyright industries contributed 6.2 per cent to both GDP and national employment, it added.

It is the first time a Singaporean has been elected to chair this Standing Committee at WIPO.

Chief Executive of IPOS, Mr. Daren Tang, said, “I am humbled and honoured to be supporting the SCCR’s work as its Chair. On behalf of the committee, we would like to thank the current Chair – Mr. Martin Moscoso Villacorta of Peru – for his contributions to the global copyright system. Together with all WIPO Member States, we will continue our efforts to help make a difference, and develop a vibrant and robust global copyright system that fosters creativity and drives economic growth.”[5]

Director General of WIPO, Dr. Francis Gurry, said, “WIPO welcomes the election of Singapore’s Daren Tang as Chair of WIPO’s Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights. Mr. Tang brings extensive experience in IP policy making, as a key player in developing Singapore to become a global IP hub in Asia. I am confident his leadership will advance the SCCR’s work during his tenure.”[6]

About the Author :Abin T. Sam, Jr. Patent Associate at Khurana & Khurana, Advocates and IP Attorneys. Can be reached at [email protected]

REFERENCES

[1] WIPO is a UN agency whose mission is to lead the development of a balanced and effective international IP system that enables innovation and creativity for the benefit for all. More information can be found from their website (www.wipo.int/about-wipo/en).

[2] IPOS. “Chief Executive of IPOS elected as Chairman of United Nations Committee on Copyright”. ipos.gov.sg. https://www.ipos.gov.sg/MediaEvents/Readnews/tabid/873/articleid/383/category/Press%20Releases/parentId/80/year/2017/Default.aspx. (accessed 18^th May, 2017)

[3] Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights,Thirty Fourth Session. http://www.wipo.int/meetings/en/details.jsp?meeting_id=42296 (accessed 30^th May 2017)

[4] www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/copyright/en/performance/pdf/economic_contribution_analysis_2014.pdf

[5] Karekar, Rupali. “Ipos chief chairs UN copyright committee”. straitstimes.com. http://www.straitstimes.com/business/ipos-chief-chairs-un-copyright-committee. (accessed 18^th May, 2017)

[6] Karekar, Rupali. “Ipos chief chairs UN copyright committee”. straitstimes.com. http://www.straitstimes.com/business/ipos-chief-chairs-un-copyright-committee. (accessed 18^th May, 2017)