Yes, we do need a treaty on limitations and exceptions. Some of the topics for such a treaty are included in the 2005 multi-stakeholder draft of a treaty for access to knowledge. There are very compelling reasons to have mandatory minimum exceptions in areas where cross-border services, publishing and distribution of works is important. A leading case for a treaty will for to address the concerns of the visually impaired. There will be a real push on this, and also, in other key areas, such as distance education, or innovative services, like current search engines or the next version of such services. The Berne Appendix is not very successful, and people will be looking at it as well.
For reference:
New Proposal At WIPO For Exceptions and Limitations Agreement; US Unconvinced
WIPO Copyright Committee Begins New Era With Revised Agenda, Same Chair
Yes, we do need a treaty on limitations and exceptions. Some of the topics for such a treaty are included in the 2005 multi-stakeholder draft of a treaty for access to knowledge. There are very compelling reasons to have mandatory minimum exceptions in areas where cross-border services, publishing and distribution of works is important. A leading case for a treaty will for to address the concerns of the visually impaired. There will be a real push on this, and also, in other key areas, such as distance education, or innovative services, like current search engines or the next version of such services. The Berne Appendix is not very successful, and people will be looking at it as well.