WIPO Director General Welcomes Ratification by China of Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances, Inaugurates WIPO China Office

Geneva, July 9, 2014
PR/2014/763

WIPO Director General Francis Gurry today welcomed the ratification of the Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances by the People’s Republic of China during an official visit to Beijing at which the Director General also participated in the inauguration of the new WIPO China Office.

China’s instrument of ratification was presented to Mr. Gurry by Mr. Cai Fuchao, Minister, National Copyright Administration of China (NCAC), who was accompanied by Mr. Yan Xiaohong, Vice Minister of NCAC.

“China not only showed leadership in the negotiations that led to the conclusion of the Beijing Treaty, but is among the first countries to ratify the agreement,” said Mr. Gurry. He added “This shows China’s commitment to securing legal protection to performers in their audiovisual performances.”

China is the fifth contracting party to the Beijing Treaty, named after the city that hosted the diplomatic conference that concluded the pact in 2012. The treaty shores up the rights of performers in audiovisual works, such as films, TV series or musicals. The Beijing Treaty will enter into force after 30 ratifications or accessions are presented to WIPO.

During his official visit to Beijing from July 9 to 11, 2014, Mr. Gurry took part in the inauguration of the new WIPO China Office. The inauguration was also attended by senior Chinese officials, including Mr. Wang Anshun, Mayor, People’s Government of Beijing Municipality, Mr. Zhang Mao, Minister, State Administration for Industry and Commerce (SAIC), Dr. Shen Changyu, Commissioner, State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO), Mr. Wang Chao, Vice Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Mr. Yan Xiaohong, Vice Minister of NCAC.

Mr. Gurry thanked the Chinese Government for the extensive support in setting up the office in Beijing, and noted “Following the successful holding of the diplomatic conference to conclude the Beijing Treaty, the opening of WIPO China Office is another milestone in the close cooperation between WIPO and China.”

The office will also provide legal and technical assistance on all aspects of industrial property and copyright and related rights to various Government authorities and institutions. It will also promote use of WIPO’s services and provide assistance for more efficient use of WIPO’s Patent Cooperation Treaty, the Madrid System for the International Registration of Marks, the Hague System for the International Registration of Industrial Designs as well other WIPO services.