[Libs-Or] INFORMATION: Miracles of miracles! WIPO passes the treaty for the blind!

[Diedre Conkling]

http://www.districtdispatch.org/2013/06/wipo-passes-the-treaty-for-the-blind/

Miracles of miracles! WIPO passes the treaty for the blind!
Posted on June 26, 2013 by Carrie Russell

<https://secure.flickr.com/photos/jrandomf/9144130370/in/set-72157634200358219/>In
an exciting turnaround, last night the World Intellectual Property Assembly
(WIPO) made history by passing the "Treaty to Facilitate Access to
Published Works by Visually Impaired and Persons with Print
Disabilities (the "Treaty for the Blind"). Print disabled people and
supporters of the treaty around the world are thrilled by the victory,
including the American Library Association.

After five years of advocacy and negotiations, WIPO achieved the
unthinkable - they passed a treaty in support of the information rights of
users!  By passing what is an exception to copyright, WIPO demonstrated
that there is international support for balance in copyright law.

Immediately prior to the diplomatic conference in Marrakesh, many advocates
thought they would lose the battle because of increased private industry
interest in toppling the proposal.  The industries' primary concern was
ideological--WIPO exists only to maximize the exclusive rights of copyright
holders. Passing an exception, even an exception that was necessary and
with obvious human rights appeal, they believed was a step back for WIPO.

In the last day of negotiations, WIPO delegations reached consensus on a
number of issues including the three step test, the use of technological
protection measures and fair use and fair dealing as stakeholders made
numerous concessions.  By all accounts, however, when the treaty goes into
effect, nations with exceptions for the disabled will be able to share
accessible content across borders.  Libraries will be considered
"authorized agencies" that can make accessible copies without the prior
permission of the rights holder.

In the next two days, the treaty will be translated and presented to the
assembly after which WIPO member nations will provide comments.

ALA - congratulate yourself! ALA has been a key player in this effort! And
finally a happy post from me about this treaty!





http://www.districtdispatch.org/2013/06/wipo-passes-the-treaty-for-the-blind/



-- 
*Diedre Conkling**
Lincoln County Library District
P.O. Box 2027
Newport, OR 97365
Phone & Fax: 541-265-3066
Work email**: **diedre at lincolncolibrarydist.org*<diedre at lincolncolibrarydist.org>
*
Home email: **diedre08 at gmail.com* <diedre08 at gmail.com>

 "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change
your attitude."--Maya Angelou
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