Copyright

In an era where millions of content creators are uploading their works online, copyright infringement has become very easy, being as simple as uploading a TikTok video or making an Instagram Story.

The Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances is a multilateral treaty which regulates copyright related rights for audiovisual performances and expands the performers' rights. It was adopted on 26 June 2012 by the Diplomatic Conference on the Protection of Audiovisual Performances of the World Intellectual Property Organization, in which 156 WIPO member states, six intergovernmental, and six non-governmental organizations participated. Forty-eight countries signed the treaty on 26 June, followed by 19 other countries in 2012 and 2013.

After successive postponements, the United Kingdom will finally leave the European Union, popularly known as Brexit, with effect from 31 January 2020. It is therefore important to know what will become of the Intellectual Property assets filed and registered through EUIPO.

For that reason we have summarized a practical guide for this transitional period and the future of assets protected in the European Union.

TRADEMARKS

1. Transition period

Last June an amendment to the The Copyright And Neighbouring Rights Act, through The Written Laws (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No.3) Act, 2019, entered into force. In addition to copyright act, other acts have been amended, such as The Companies Act, The Films And Stage Plays Act, among others.

The main amendments to the Copyright Act are as follows:

Cape Verde is implementing some major changes in its approach to Intellectual Property (IP) protection. One of the latest developments in this area was the country’s adherence to three WIPO Treaties, namely:

The real impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the various fields of Law is still largely unknown. However, as stated in the European Parliament resolution of 16 February 2017 with recommendations to the Commission on Civil Law Rules on Robotics (2015/2103(INL))  (v. 015/2103(INL)), no one doubts that this industrial revolution “is likely to leave no stratum of society untouched”, which is why is “vitally important for the legislature to consider its legal and ethical implications and effects, without stifling innovation” (vid. p. 3, B).

While the current European Copyright Law, dating back to 2001, has shown to be inappropriate in responding to the particularities of the digital market and the demands of the Author’s Rights, the European Commission has proposed, in September 2016, to adapt Copyright Law to the digital age.

Two years later, this highly and unquestionably needed reform, was not yet approved and, as concerned European citizens or simple interested persons, we may question ourselves about the reasons of this delay.

The gaming industry has grown exponentially over the last few years, having largely overcome the revenue generated by the cinema industry of Hollywood. The transition from a niche entertainment to a very lucrative business further dictates an increase of the risk and the proportional cautions that must be taken. In this sense, considering every factor that encompasses the gaming industry, the importance of all Intellectual Property rights should not be overstated and must be perceived as a priority when a new project is initiated.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has already opened the door to our reality and we have not even realized it. Think again who believes that a world endowed with technological autonomy without constant human aid is a utopia or a subject of bygone centuries. Far from it; we face and live in a century where the great questions of our society need further guidance.

The General Director of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) notified of the deposit by the Government of the Republic of Uganda of its instrument of ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty (adopted on June 27, 2013), forming part of the body of international copyright treaties administered by WIPO. Marrakesh Treaty’s main goal is to create a set of mandatory limitations and exceptions for the benefit of the blind, visually impaired, and other print disabled.