Several nations are backing a new proposal for special exemptions from copyright rules under the agreements of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
While the proposal is getting the backing of many developing countries, the United States says it is reluctant to proceed until there is more analysis done. The new proposal calls for work to begin on identifying copyright exceptions and limitations needed to promote creativity, dissemination and public access. The new proposal would see the WIPO secretariat consult with interested stakeholders to identify the “justifications and implications” for exceptions and limitations with the goal of creating a new international agreement on the matter. According to the proposal, WIPO would be asked to look specifically at the issue of exceptions and limitations on copyrighted works used for educational purposes.