Today in Beijing, the United States joined 47 other countries in signing a treaty to strengthen the rights of audiovisual performers around the world. The Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances, adopted at a diplomatic conference convened by World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) members, fills a gap in the system of international copyright protection by extending to actors in motion pictures and television programs the type of protections previously accorded to authors and to performers in sound recordings.
The United States delegation was pleased to work productively with developing and developed countries in finalizing the treaty, which brings to a close negotiations that began more than fifteen years ago. The successful outcome demonstrates how the multilateral system can be harnessed to benefit American workers and businesses. The U.S. audiovisual performances industry employs more than 150,000 professional actors and is a source of strength for American exports.
