Internet Piracy and the WIPO Internet Treaties
The Internet has undergone explosive growth and, coupled with the increased availability of broadband connections, serves as an extremely efficient global distribution network for pirated products. The explosive growth of copyright piracy on the Internet is a serious problem. We are continuing to work with other governments, and consult with U.S. industry, to develop the best strategy to address Internet piracy. An important first step in the fight against Internet piracy was achieved at WIPO when it concluded two copyright treaties in 1996: the WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT) and the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT) (collectively, the "WIPO Internet Treaties"). The WIPO Internet Treaties help to raise the minimum standards of intellectual property protection around the world, particularly with respect to Internet-based delivery of copyrighted works. They clarify exclusive rights in the on-line environment and specifically prohibit the devices and services intended to circumvent technological protection measures for copyrighted works. Both treaties entered into force in 2002. As of April 29, 2005, there are 51 members of the WCT and 49 members of the WPPT; this number will rise significantly when the EU joins, which, by internal arrangement, is expected to occur when the last five EU Member States complete their implementation processes. Even more countries have implemented in their national laws key provisions of these treaties even though they have not yet formally ratified them. At this point, therefore, the WIPO Internet Treaties are now part of the international IPR legal regime and represent the consensus view of the world community that the vital framework of protection under existing agreements, including the TRIPS Agreement, should be supplemented to eliminate any remaining gaps in copyright protection on the Internet that could impede the development of electronic commerce.
In order to realize the enormous potential of the Internet, a growing number of countries are implementing the WIPO Internet Treaties and creating a legal environment conducive to investment and growth in Internet-related businesses and technologies. In the competition for foreign direct investment, these countries now hold a decided advantage. We urge other governments to ratify and implement the two WIPO Internet Treaties.
Other Initiatives Regarding Internet Piracy
We are seeking to heighten the standards of protection for intellectual property, by incorporating standards of the WIPO Internet Treaties as substantive obligations in the bilateral and regional trade agreements that we negotiate. Moreover, our proposals in our FTA negotiations will continue to include up-to-date copyright and enforcement obligations to reflect the technological challenges we face today as well as those that may exist at the time negotiations are concluded.
Government Use of Software
In October 1998, the United States announced an Executive Order directing U.S. Government agencies to maintain appropriate and effective procedures to ensure legitimate use of software. In addition, USTR was directed to undertake an initiative to work with other governments, particularly those in need of modernizing their software management systems or about which concerns have been expressed, regarding government use of illegal software.
