Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances

Quick Facts: Who was Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances?

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Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances

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Multilateral treaty regulating copyright for audiovisual performances and expanding performers' rights.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances is a multilateral treaty which regulates copyright 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.

Career & Major Achievements

Forty-eight countries signed the treaty on 26 June, followed by 19 other countries in 2012 and 2013. The treaty entered into force on 28 April 2020 following the receipt of the 30th ratification or accession and as of September 2025 has 48 contracting parties.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The treaty has been praised by artists' and performers rights advocates around the world as well as some activist nonprofits such as Knowledge Ecology International, but has also been criticized by some digital rights and free culture activists such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) as an infringement on free speech, and aiding censorship schemes. Negotiations for the treaty lasted 12 years.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 2012: 2012 Milestone — 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.
2. 2020: 2020 Milestone — The treaty entered into force on 28 April 2020 following the receipt of the 30th ratification or accession and as of September 2025 has 48 contracting parties.

Notable Quotes by Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances

“The treaty has been praised by artists' and performers rights advocates around the world.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances

True or False: “True or False: The Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances was adopted in 2012, but did not enter into force until 2020 due to required international ratifications.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The treaty was adopted in 2012, but its full legal effect required the accumulation of ratifications, which was achieved in 2020.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances