Explanatory Note
(This note is not part of the Order)
This Order declares the WIPO Copyright Treaty and the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty to be Community Treaties as defined in section 1(2) of the European Communities Act 1972. These treaties were signed by the United Kingdom on 13th February 1997 and at other times by the European Community, the other Member States of the European Community and many other states.
The WIPO Copyright Treaty updates and strengthens international standards of protection for literary and artistic works, in particular to take account of digital technology.
The WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty fulfils a similar function in relation to sound recordings (phonograms) and the rights of certain performing artists.