China ratifies WIPO audiovisual treaty

China's top legislature on Thursday ratified the Beijing Treaty on audiovisual performances, a document overseen by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). During its bimonthly session, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) ratified the treaty, which was submitted by the State Council, or the cabinet. Approved in June 2012 at a WIPO Diplomatic Conference in Beijing, the 30-article treaty is expected to strengthen the rights of film actors and other performers. The treaty stipulates that contracting parties shall provide enforcement procedures to ensure effective action against infringement of rights covered by the treaty as well as remedies to deter further infringements. The Beijing Treaty is the first international treaty on intellectual property rights protection which is named after a Chinese city. Yan Xiaohong, deputy director of the State General Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, said in a report to the NPC Standing Committee that the treaty is expected to boost China's commitment to international cooperation in film and performance, improve China's legal system regarding copyright protection, and advance the country's performance art industry. A total of 72 WIPO members have signed the Beijing Treaty so far, and it will enter force after ratification or accessions of 30 eligible parties.