Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with key trading partners aim to reduce import tariffs, remove non-tariff barriers and grant companies better effective access to each other's markets. These agreements also include rules on the protection of Intellectual Property Rights.
ICMP believes that the three-step test for exceptions and limitations to copyright protection provides sufficient flexibility to allow individual countries to determine their own policies, adapt to technological developments and provide access solutions in the digital environment.
Mass online theft diminishes the ability of songwriters and composers to make a living and undermines the incentive to create new works and invest in innovation.
Network Neutrality can be summarised as the principle that all internet traffic should be treated equally. This principle must not be used to prevent ISPs from implementing network management techniques to protect against the theft of creative works and other unlawful activity online.
ICMP supports WIPO’s Development Agenda which is committed to improving the capacity of developing countries to benefit from the knowledge economy.
ICMP strongly supports the UN Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions and its recognition of cultural diversity as a source of exchange, innovation, creativity and common heritage that is beneficial for present and future generations.
ICMP is closely following the debate over a possible WIPO instrument aimed at protecting traditional cultural expressions and folklore. Words from songs, poetry, and rhythm are being proposed as part of this instrument.
