Newsroom

IFLA advocates globally for a better legal framework for libraries at the 34th Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR)

Through the Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR), the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) offers a platform for discussion among Member States and NGOs at a global level on intellectual property law and how to make it work better. SCCR is, among others, currently focusing on exceptions and limitations to copyright for libraries, archives and museums – the derogations from the exclusive rights of authors and publishers which allow libraries to do things such as preservation, reproduction or lending.

World Intellectual Property Day, 26 April 2017 – Innovation, Improving Lives

Every year on 26 April, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) celebrates the World Intellectual Property Rights Day. This year in particular, WIPO explores how innovation and progress make lives better, and what more can be done to make sure new technologies reach the people who need them. They are also inviting ideas on the priorities for future innovation through Twitter under the hashtag #WorldIPDay.

Support Builds for Libraries in Europe

At the European Parliament in Strasbourg (France) last week, library representatives and Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) discussed the path towards a copyright reform that will empower Europe's over 100M library users.

A Better Balance is Possible – Looking to the Future at WIPO

Starting tomorrow, the Member States of the World Intellectual Property Organisation will meet together in Geneva. For IFLA, highlights will include discussions on future work on limitations on copyright for libraries, Ms Sylvie Forbin's first major event as Deputy Director General, Copyright and Creative Industries, and a celebration of the entry into force of the Treaty of Marrakesh. The latter shows that WIPO discussions can lead to results that offer wider access to knowledge, with dividends for growth, equality, human rights and well-being.

Taking Access to the Next Level for the Visually Impaired

Libraries Welcome Marrakesh Treaty’s Entry into Force

Libraries are fighting for public, not commercial interests - a response to comments at the International Publishers' Congress 2016

IFLA has co-signed a letter in response to comments made by Hachette Livre CEO Arnaud Nourry at this week's International Publishers' Congress. In it, we reject entirely the argument that libraries are proxies for the commercial sector, and invite publishers and others to work with us in passing limited but necessary reforms to copyright. These will strengthen the legal base on which librarians rely in order to fulfil their missions at a local, European and global level.

EBLIDA and IFLA comment on the European Commission’s Communication on modernising EU copyright rules

Modernisation of EU Copyright rules: yes, but…

IFLA co-signs on Manila Principles to protect freedom of expression

IFLA has joined an international coalition to offer a framework of safeguards and best practices for intermediary liability for third-party content and for the handling of requests to restrict or take down content.

IFLA signs The Hague Declaration: Immediate reform to IP Laws!

IFLA is an original signatory to the Declaration which aims to foster agreement about how to best enable access to facts, data and ideas for knowledge discovery in the Digital Age.

IFLA submission to EU Copyright Consultation now available online

Last week the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) submitted a response to the Public Consultation on the Review of EU Copyright Rules.

EU favours licensing over copyright reform for libraries in latest international negotiations

The 26th meeting of the Standing Committee on Copyright & Related Rights (SCCR) closed just before midnight on Friday 20th December, following five days of discussion of copyright protections for broadcasting, exceptions and limitations for libraries and archives, and for education.

IFLA welcomes US Court decision on legality of Google Books digitization; cautions against growing digital information divide for libraries elsewhere

As an organization committed to the principle of freedom of access to information, and the belief that equitable access to information is vital to the educational and cultural well-being of communities, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) welcomes the decision of the US District Court with regards to the legality of the Google Books project.

IFLA Welcomes WIPO Treaty for Blind and Print Disabled People

Following two weeks of negotiations in Marrakesh, Morocco, Member States of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) formally adopted a ‘Treaty to Improve Access to Published Works for Persons who are Blind, Visually Impaired, or otherwise Print Disabled’ on Thursday June 27th 2013.

Week two at the WIPO Diplomatic Conference in Marrakesh

Intervention by IFLA and EIFL at Diplomatic Conference June 17-28, 2013

Joint Library Statement Urges WIPO Member States to Agree an Effective Treaty for Print Disabled People

IFLA attends Informal Session and Special Session of the Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights, 18-20 April 2013

IFLA attends the 2nd special session of the WIPO Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR) on an international treaty on limitations and exceptions for visually impaired persons/persons with print disabilities. Geneva, 18-20 April 2013.

Conclusions from the 25th Meeting of the WIPO Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights

WIPO Copyright Committee: 24th meeting opens with discussions on copyright flexibilities

The 24rd meeting of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR) opened in Geneva. The 185 WIPO Member States will discuss copyright flexibilities for visually impaired and print disabled people, for libraries and archives and for education and research.

‘Enhancing the Culture of Reading and Books in the Digital Age: Copyright as a means to foster creativity and access’

A short report on recent IFLA activities in Nairobi, Kenya. Earlier this month IFLA representatives traveled to Kenya to participate in a two-day conference to discuss how to come together to encourage reading in the digital age.