Tracing a Century of Broadcasting Rights Debates: 1928–2025

This timeline provides a detailed view of the developments concerning broadcasting rights within international copyright law. It begins with the 1928 Rome Revision of the Berne Convention, which initially introduced these rights, and tracks major milestones such as the 1961 Rome Convention and the rise of satellite broadcasting in the mid-1960s. The majority of the timeline focuses on the intensive, multi-year negotiations held under the WIPO Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR), which formally began addressing the protection of broadcasting organisations in 1998. These SCCR sessions illustrate the ongoing effort to create a new international treaty to update protection for traditional broadcasting and cablecasting against signal piracy, while grappling with complex issues like protection over computer networks and the definition of object and scope.

The information concerning the pre-SCCR period (1928–1998) was extracted from Vyas, Lokesh; Schirru, Luca; and Flynn, Sean, The (Long) Road to the Broadcast Treaty: A Brief History (Infojustice, 2025). The remaining sections were prepared based on the documents available on WIPO’s SCCR Meetings webpage (e.g. “Report”, “Conclusions” and “Summary by Chair”) and on Schirru, Luca; Vyas, Lokesh; Jawara, Haddija; Ruthes Gonçalves, Lukas; McGee, Katie; Misto, Yara; and Flynn, Sean Michael Fiil, Documentary History of the Broadcast Treaty in the SCCR (Global Version) (2025), Joint PIJIP/TLS Research Paper Series, 145.

See PDF version below.

Date	Main Developments	Short Description
1928	Rome Revision of the Berne Convention	Article 11bis introduced broadcasting rights into international copyright law, marking the entry of broadcasting into the global copyright framework.
1948	Brussels Revision of the Berne Convention	Added changes and clarifications to Article 11bis.
1961	Rome Convention	Adoption of the International Convention for the Protection of Performers, Producers of Phonograms and Broadcasting Organizations (Rome, 1961). The Convention covered only “wireless” transmissions, whether the treaty applied to broadcasts transmitted via satellites
1965	Rise of Satellite Broadcasting	With the emergence of orbiting and geostationary satellites, broadcasting organizations began demanding protection against signal piracy (noted by Delia Lipszyc).
1967	Stockholm Revision of the Berne Convention.	Introduced further modifications to broadcasting rights but limited protection to live wireless broadcasts.
1968–1969	Intercontinental satellite television broadcasts	Global discussions began on the legal challenges of intercontinental satellite television broadcasts.
1971–1974	UNESCO and BIRPI Expert Committees	Committee of Governmental Experts (UNESCO & BIRPI) met in: Lausanne (1971); Paris (1972);Nairobi (1973). These meetings laid the foundation for the 1974 Brussels Diplomatic Conference.
1973–1974	Parallel Negotiations	Alongside the Brussels Convention, an Intergovernmental Committee under Article 32 of the Rome Convention developed a model law on the protection of performers, producers of phonograms, and broadcasting organizations.
1996	WIPO Internet Treaties	During negotiations of the WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT) and WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT), there was renewed momentum for a separate treaty on broadcasting, leading to the establishment of the Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR).
1998	SCCR Agenda	The protection of broadcasting organizations was formally added to the agenda of the SCCR, created by the 32nd WIPO Assemblies (March 25–27, 1998).
SCCR/1: 1998	Existing legislation on broadcast	Memorandum about the “Existing International, Regional and National Legislation Concerning the Protection of the Rights of Broadcasting Organizations” (SCCR/1/3).
SCCR/2: 1999	Multiple submissions on the topic of the rights of broadcasting organizations	Documents on the “Protection of the Rights of Broadcasting Organizations Submissions Received from Member States of WIPO and the European Community” (SCCR/2/5) and “from Non-Governmental Organizations” (SCCR/2/6; SCCR/2/6/REV) and “Addendum Concerning the Submission by the National Association of Commercial Broadcasters in Japan (NAB-Japan)” (SCCR/2/6 ADD.). Submissions by Mexico (SCCR/2/7) and by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) (SCCR/2/8) on the “Protection of the Rights of Broadcasting Organizations”. “Report on the Regional Roundtable for Central European and Baltic States on the Protection of the Rights of Broadcasting Organizations and on the Protection of Databases, Held in Vilnius, from April 20 to 22, 1999”, submitted on behalf of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Lithuania, Romania and the Slovak Republic (SCCR/2/10 REV.); “Submission by Cameroon” (SCCR/2/12, presenting the “state of Cameroonian legislation on the protection of broadcasting organizations” and “proposals for the strengthening of the international protection of broadcasting organizations”, pp.2-3).
SCCR/3: 1999	Multiple submissions on the topic of the rights of broadcasting organizations	“Report of the Regional Roundtable for African Countries on the Protection of Databases and on the Protection of the Rights of Broadcasting Organizations, Held in Cotonou, from June 22 to 24, 1999”, submitted on behalf of Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Niger, Nigeria, South Africa, Togo and United Republic of Tanzania (SCCR/3/2); Proposal on the “Protection of the Rights of Broadcasting Organization” submitted by Argentina (SCCR/3/4); Proposal on the “Protection of Audiovisual Performances; Protection of the Rights of Broadcasting Organizations”, submitted by United Republic of Tanzania (SCCR/3/5); “Statement Adopted at the Regional Roundtable for Countries of Asia and the Pacific on the Protection of Databases and on the Protection of the Rights of Broadcasting Organizations, Held in Manila, from June 29 to July 1, 1999”, submitted by Bangladesh, China, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Viet Nam (SCCR/3/6).
SCCR/4: 2000	Invitation to submit proposals	“59. The Standing Committee decided to invite governments to submit […] proposals in treaty language […].” (SCCR/4/6 Report, p.12)
SCCR/5: 2001	Different proposals and a comparative table	Proposals on the “Protection of Broadcasting Organizations” submitted by Kyrgyzstan (SCCR/5/2), Sudan (SCCR/5/3), and Japan (SCCR/5/4). “Protection of the Rights of Broadcasting Organizations: Comparative Table of Proposals Received by April 30, 2001”, prepared by the Secretariat (SCCR/5/5). “The Standing Committee made the following decision: […] B. Rights of Broadcasters: (i) the issue would be the main point on the Agenda of the next meeting of the Standing Committee; (ii) the Secretariat would invite the Governments and the European Community to submit additional proposals on this issue, preferably in treaty language[…]” (SCCR/5/6).
SCCR/6: 2001	Multiple submissions on the topic of the rights of broadcasting organizations	Proposals on the “Protection of the Rights of Broadcasting Organizations”, submitted by the European Community and its Member States (SCCR/6/2) and by Ukraine (SCCR/6/3). “Standing Committee made the following decision: B. Rights of Broadcasters: (i) the issue would be the main point on the Agenda of the next meeting of the Standing Committee; (ii) the Governments and the European Community are invited to submit additional proposals on this issue, preferably in treaty language[…]”. (SCCR/6/4, pp.29-30)
SCCR/7: 2002	Multiple submissions on the topic of the rights of broadcasting organizations and a comparative table	“Protection of the Rights of Broadcasting Organizations” submitted by Eastern Republic of Uruguay (SCCR/7/7); “Technical background paper prepared by the Secretariat” on the “Protection of Broadcasting Organizations” (SCCR/7/8, SCCR/7/8/CORR, addressing “the activities of broadcasting organizations until the Rome Convention, broadcasting organizations and new technologies, [and other legal] issues to be considered”); “Comparative Table of Proposals Received by May 6, 2002” on the “Protection of the Righs of Broadcasting Organizations”, prepared by Secretariat (SCCR/7/9). “The Standing Committee made the following decisions:[…](b) Rights of Broadcasters: (i) the issue would be the main point on the Agenda of the next session of the Standing Committee; (ii) the Governments and the European Community are invited to submit additional proposals on this issue, preferably in treaty language,[…]” (SCCR/7/10, p.30)
SCCR/8: 2002	Paper and proposals	“Working paper prepared by the Secretariat”: “Protection of Broadcasting Organizations: Terms and Concepts” (SCCR/8/INF/1). Proposal submitted by Honduras (SCCR/8/4) and by the United States of America (SCCR/8/7) on the “Protection of the Rights of Broadcasting Organizations”. “Comparison of Proposals of WIPO Member States and the European Community and its Member States Received by September 16, 2002” on the Protection of the Rights of Broadcasting Organizations, prepared by the Secretariat (SCCR/8/5). “The Standing Committee made the following decisions: […] (b) Rights of Broadcasters: (i) the issue would be the main point on the Agenda of the next session of the Standing Committee; (ii) the Governments and the European Community were invited to submit their final, possibly revised, proposals on the issue, preferably in treaty language[…] ” (SCCR/8/9, p.36)
SCCR/9: 2003	Proposals, comparison of proposals and WCT and WPPT implementation	Proposal concerning Article 1bis, submitted by the European Community and its Member States (SCCR/9/12, proposing a definition for “broadcasting”.); “Survey on Implementation Provisions of the WCT and the WPPT” prepared by the Secretariat (SCCR/9/6) and Addendum to the Annex submitted by the United States of America (SCCR/9/6 ADD.1). Proposals on the “Protection of the Rights of Broadcasting Organizations” submitted by Egypt (SCCR/9/8 REV.), Canada (SCCR/9/10), United States of America (SCCR/9/4 REV.), and Kenya (SCCR/9/3 REV). “Issues Concerning ‘Webcaster’ in New WIPO Broadcasting Organizations Treaty”, communication submitted by Japan (SCCR/9/9). “Comparison of Proposals of WIPO Member States and the European Community and its Member States Received by April 15, 2003” on the Protection of the Rights of Broadcasting Organizations, prepared by the Secretariat (SCCR/9/5). “The Standing Committee made the following decisions: […] (a) The protection of broadcasting organizations would be the main point on the Agenda of the tenth session of the Standing Committee: (i) delegations are invited to consider all elements of a possible new instrument on the protection of broadcasting organizations in order to provide a basis for the preparation of a basic proposal; (ii) delegations are also invited to consider a suitable timetable for the further preparatory steps and the possibility of organizing a diplomatic conference; (iii) the Standing Committee, in its tenth session, should be ready to decide on the preparation of a basic proposal. ” (SCCR/9/11, pp.28-29).
SCCR/10: 2003	Comparison of proposals	“Comparison of Proposals of WIPO Member States and the European Community and its Member States Received by September 15, 2003” on “Protection of the Rights of Broadcasting Organizations”, prepared by the Secretariat (SCCR/10/3, SCCR/10/3 CORR.). “The Standing Committee made the following decisions: […] (ii) a consolidated text with explanatory comments should be prepared, based on the proposals submitted to, and discussions, in the Standing Committee […] (iii) at its eleventh session in June 2004, the discussions of the Standing Committee would be based on the consolidated text, and the Committee would assess the progress of the work. In the light of those discussions and that assessment, the Committee would decide whether to recommend to the WIPO General Assembly in 2004 that a Diplomatic Conference be convened; […]”(SCCR/10/5, p.18)
SCCR/11: 2004	Proposal and consolidated text for a treaty	“Treaty on the Protection of Broadcasting Organizations and Cablecasting Organizations”, submitted by Singapore (SCCR/11/2); “Consolidated Text for a Treaty on the Protection of Broadcasting Organizations”, prepared by the Chairman of the SCCR in cooperation with the Secretariat (SCCR/11/3). “The Standing Committee made the following Recommendations: […] 1. The […] WIPO General Assembly is recommended to consider[…] the possibility of convening, at an appropriate time, a diplomatic conference on the protection of broadcasting organizations; […] the Chair […] will prepare […] a revised version of the Consolidated Text in which the possible protection of webcasting organizations and other proposals having received very limited support will be indicated in square brackets. […] 3. […] at its Twelfth Session the discussions of the Standing Committee will be based on the revised consolidated text and the Committee will assess the progress of the work. In the light of those discussions and that assessment, the Committee will recommend the dates, and the necessary preparatory steps for a possible diplomatic conference including the possibility that the Chairman prepares a basic proposal for this conference; […] 4. […] depending on the decision of the WIPO General Assembly under Point A.1 above, and the recommendations of the Standing Committee, the International Bureau shall organize regional consultation meetings where appropriate and at the request of the relevant regional groups. The International Bureau shall also organize consultation meetings at the location of the diplomatic conference immediately before its commencement.” (SCCR/11/4, p.33).
SCCR/12: 2004	Second rev. Consolidated text and working paper on webcasting	“Second Revised Consolidated Text for a Treaty on the Protection of Broadcasting Organizations”, prepared by the Chair of the SCCR in cooperation with the Secretariat (SCCR/12/2 REV.2). “Working Paper on Alternative and Non-Mandatory Solutions on the Protection in Relation to Webcasting”, prepared by the Chair of the SCCR (SCCR/12/5 PROV.).
SCCR/13: 2005	Proposals on the broadcasting treaty	“Proposal by Brazil on the Protection of Broadcasting Organizations” (SCCR/13/3 CORR.). “Proposal by Chile Concerning the Treaty for the Protection of Broadcasting Organizations”, a document prepared by the Secretariat (SCCR/13/4). “The Secretariat stressed that after the proposals that were put forward by Brazil and by Chile and the lengthy discussions on the treaty, additional time was needed.[…]. The Chair suggested that a partial or a complete consolidation of the text would continue to be done. A third Consolidated Text would be made available to the delegations as soon as technically possible. […].” (SCCR/13/6, pp.67, 70).
SCCR/14: 2006	Proposals on the broadcast treaty and working paper	“Draft Basic Proposal for the WIPO Treaty on the Protection of Broadcasting Organizations Including Non-Mandatory Appendix on the Protection in Relation to Webcasting including a non-mandatory appendix on the protection in relation to webcasting”, prepared by the Chair of the SCCR in cooperation with the Secretariat (SCCR/14/2); “Working Paper for the Preparation of the Basic Proposal for a Treaty on the Protection of Broadcasting Organizations”, prepared by the Chair of the SCCR in cooperation with the Secretariat (SCCR/14/3); “Proposal by Colombia Concerning Article 16 of the Consolidated Text for the Draft Treaty on the Protection of Broadcasting Organizations” (SCCR/14/4); “Proposal by Peru on the Treaty for the Protection of Broadcasting Organizations”, document prepared by the Secretariat. “On the protection of traditional broadcasting: […] 4. This process is on the understanding that this additional meeting of the SCCR would be convened with the aim to agree and finalize a basic proposal for a treaty on the protection of the rights of broadcasting organizations in order to enable the 2006 General Assembly to recommend the convening a diplomatic conference in December 2006 or in an appropriate date in 2007. On the protection of webcasting and simulcasting: […] 2. A revised document on the protection of webcasting and simulcasting will be prepared on the basis of document SCCR/14/2 and proposals, and taking into account the discussions of the Committee.” (SCCR/14/6, p.95)
SCCR/15: 2006	Revised proposal on the treaty	“Revised Draft Basic Proposal for the WIPO Treaty on the Protection of Broadcasting Organizations”, prepared by the Chair of the SCCR in cooperation with the Secretariat (SCCR/15/2). “1. A Diplomatic Conference […] will be convened from July 11 to August 1, 2007, in Geneva. The objective of this Conference is to negotiate and conclude a WIPO treaty on the protection of broadcasting organizations, including cablecasting organizations. The scope of the treaty will be confined to the protection of broadcasting and cablecasting organizations in the traditional sense. […] “2. The Revised Basic Proposal (document SCCR/15/2 Rev.) will constitute the Basic Proposal with the understanding that all Member States may make proposals at the Diplomatic Conference.[…]” (SCCR/15/6, p.35)
SCCR/S1, SCCR/S2, SCCRPM: 2007	Special sessions and preparatory meeting	“The decision of the General Assembly stated that “[t]wo special sessions of the Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights to clarify the outstanding issues will be convened, the first one in January 2007, and the second one in June 2007 in conjunction with the meeting of the preparatory committee. It is understood that the sessions of the SCCR should aim to agree and finalize, on a signal-based approach, the objectives, specific scope and object of protection with a view to submitting to the Diplomatic Conference a revised basic proposal, which will amend the agreed relevant parts of the Revised Draft Basic Proposal [referred to in (ii)]. The Diplomatic Conference will be convened if such agreement is achieved. If no such agreement is achieved, all further discussions will be based on document SCCR/15/2. […] In the informal discussions it became evident that, during the session, it would not be possible to reach an agreement on the objectives, specific scope and object of protection with a view to submitting to a diplomatic conference a revised basic proposal as mandated by the General Assembly.” (“SCCR/S2/WWW[79838], p.1). About the Special Session 1, see draft report at: SCCR/S1/3 PROV.. “Subject to the outcome of the second Special Session, it is recommended that the Preparatory Meeting approve the organizational and procedural matters of the WIPO Diplomatic Conference on the Protection of the Rights of Broadcasting Organizations, as described in Annexes I to III to this document.” (SCCR/PM/2, p.2).
SCCR/16: 2008	Work according the Mandate of the GA	“The delegations who took the floor expressed their support in continuing the work on this item in consonance with the mandate of the General Assembly, and many delegations showed their interest towards the conclusion of a treaty”. (SCCR/16/CONCLUSIONS, p.2).
SCCR/17: 2008	Informal paper on the Broadcast treaty	“The WIPO Treaty on the Protection of Broadcasting Organisations”: “Informal Paper Prepared by the Chairman of the Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR) According to the Decision of the SCCR at its 16th Session (March 2008)” (SCCR/17/INF/1). “The Committee decided to continue its work on this item in consonance with the mandate of the General Assembly. A number of delegations showed their interest towards the conclusion of a treaty. The Committee reaffirmed that according to the decision of the General Assembly the protection must be established on a signal-based approach, and the convening of a diplomatic conference could be considered only after agreement on objectives, specific scope and object of protection has been achieved.” (SCCR/17/WWW[112533], p.2)
SCCR/18: 2009	Meeting on Broadcasting	“Information Meeting on Developments in Broadcasting – Provisional Program prepared by the Secretariat” (SCCR/18/INF/2 PROV.). “The Committee reaffirmed its willingness to continue its work on the protection of broadcasting organizations on a signal-based approach, according to the mandate of the 2007 General Assembly.” (SCCR/18/CONCLUSIONS, p.3)
SCCR/19: 2009	Study on unauthorized use of signals	“Study on the Socio Economic Dimension of the Unauthorized Use of Signals: Part I: Current Market and Technology Trends in the Broadcasting Sector”, prepared by Screen Digest Ltd. (SCCR/19/12). “The Committee reaffirmed its willingness to continue its work on the protection of broadcasting organizations according to the mandate of the 2007 General Assembly”. (SCCR/19/CONCLUSIONS, p.3).
SCCR/20: 2010	Study on unauthorized use of signals	“Study on the Socioeconomic Dimension of the Unauthorized Use of Signals – Part II: Unauthorized Access to Broadcast Content – Cause and Effects: A Global Overview”, prepared by Screen Digest (SCCR/20/2 REV). “3. The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to continue work towards developing an international treaty to update the protection of broadcasting organizations, addressing present and emerging technological issues while taking due account of the protection of the public interest and access to information.” (SCCR/20/13, p.50)
SCCR/21: 2010	Reports on seminars on broadcast, study on unauthorized use of signals and analytical document on the studies	“Study on the Socioeconomic Dimension of the Unauthorized Use of Signals – Part III: Study on the Social and Economic Effects of the Proposed Treaty on the Protection of Broadcasting Organizations”, prepared by Professor Robert G. Picard, Ph.D., Professor Guy Berger, Ph.D., Fernand P. Alberto, LLB., M.B.A. (SCCR/21/2); “Report of the Regional Seminar for the Latina American and Carribean Countries on the Protection of Broadcasting Organizations”, prepared by the National Copyright Institute (INDAUTOR), Mexico City (SCCR/21/3); “Analytical Document on the Study on the Socioeconomic Dimension of the Unauthorized Use of Signals, Part I, II and III”, prepared by the Secretariat (SCCR/21/4); “Report of the Regional Seminars for the Asia-Pacific Countries on the Protection of Broadcasting and Audiovisual Performances”, prepared by the Copyright Division, Department of Higher Education,Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India (SCCR/21/9); “Report of the Regional Seminar for African Countries on the Protection of Broadcasting Organizations and Audiovisual Performances”, prepared by the Nigerian Copyright Commission, Federal Ministry of Justice, Government of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria (SCCR/21/11). “3. The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to continue work, on a signal-based approach, towards developing an international treaty to update the protection of broadcasting and cablecasting organizations in the traditional sense. […] 4. Members of the Committee are invited to present new proposals on the protection of the broadcasting organizations […], if possible in treaty language, in addition to the proposals contained in the document SCCR/15/2 rev., to form the basis of the preparation of a new draft treaty” (SCCR/21/12, p.52)
SCCR/22: 2011	Proposals on the treaty, reports on seminars	“Proposal on the WIPO Draft Treaty for the Protection of Broadcasting Organizations”, by South Africa (SCCR/22/5); “Proposal on the WIPO Draft Treaty on the Protection of Broadcasting Organizations”, by Canada (SCCR/22/6); “Comment on the WIPO Draft Treaty on the Protection of Broadcasting Organizations”, submitted by Japan (SCCR/22/7); “Results and Outcomes of the 2010 Regional Seminars on the Protection of Broadcasting Organizations”, prepared by the Secretariat (SCCR/22/9); “Elements for a Draft Treaty on the Protection of Broadcasting Organizations”, prepared by the Chair of the Informal Consultations on the Protection of Broadcasting Organizations held in Geneva on April 14 and 15, 2011 (SCCR/22/11); “Conclusions of the Regional Broadcasting Signal Piracy Seminar, held in Johannesburg, South Africa, June 6 and 7, 2011”, prepared by the Department of Communications (DOC), South Africa (SCCR/22/14). “The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to continue work, on a signal based approach, consistent with the 2007 General Assembly mandate, towards developing an international treaty to update the protection of broadcasting and cablecasting organizations in the traditional sense.” (SCCR/22/18, p.87).
SCCR/23: 2011	Draft treaty and report on consultations on broadcast	“Draft Treaty on the Protection of Broadcasting Organizations, Proposal”, presented by the South Africa and Mexico (SCCR/23/6); “Report on the Informal Consultations on the Protection of Broadcasting Organizations”, prepared by the Chair of the Informal Consultations on the Protection of Broadcasting Organizations (SCCR/23/9). “The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to continue work, on a signal-based approach, consistent with the 2007 General Assembly mandate, towards developing an international treaty to update the protection of broadcasting and cablecasting organizations in the traditional sense”. (SCCR/23/10, p.113)
SCCR/24, SCCR/25: 2012	Proposals, draft treaty, working document and comparative table of proposals	“Renewal Version of Revised Draft Basic Proposal for the WIPO Treaty on the Protection of Broadcasting Organizations (SCCR/15/2 Rev.)”, proposed by Japan (SCCR/24/3); “Draft Treaty on the Protection of Broadcasting Organizations”, Joint Proposal by the Delegations of South Africa and Mexico (SCCR/24/5); “Working Document for a Treaty on the Protection of Broadcasting Organizations”, adopted by the Committee (SCCR/24/10, SCCR/24/10 CORR.); “Comparative Table”, proposed by Japan (SCCR/24/11, comparing SCCR/24/3, SCCR/24/5, SCCR/23/6 Rev., SCCR/23/6). “The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to continue work, on a signal based approach, consistent with the 2007 General Assembly mandate, towards developing an international treaty to update the protection of broadcasting and cablecasting organizations in the traditional sense. […] The Committee agreed to recommend to the WIPO General Assembly that the Committee continue its work toward a text that will enable a decision on whether to convene a diplomatic conference in 2014”. (SCCR/24/12, p.115) . “7. The SCCR further decided, subject to further textual comments to be submitted by the Members, that in order to advance its work on the basis of document SCCR/24/10 towards a text that will enable a decision on whether to convene a diplomatic conference in 2014, a three day inter-sessional meeting will be organized during the first half of 2013”. (SCCR/25/3, p. 39)
WIPO/IS/BC/GE: 2013	Inter-sessional Meeting	“Discussions on the corrigendum of the “Working document for a treaty on the protection of broadcasting organizations” (SCCR/24/10)” (WIPO/IS/BC/GE/13/1 PROV.2, p.1)
SCCR/26: 2013	Draft treaty	“Draft Treaty on the Protection of Broadcasting Organizations”, proposed by Japan (SCCR/26/6) “1. The Committee considered Articles 5, 6, 7 and 9 of the working document SCCR/24/10 Corr., as well as the proposal submitted by the government of Japan on the protection of signals transmitted over computer networks, document SCCR/26/6. In addition, the Committee took note of the working document from the government of India rephrasing some textual proposals of document SCCR/24/10 Corr., as well as the proposal for discussion from the government of the United States of America. (p.1) 2. During the discussions held on Article 7, it was understood that broadcasting organizations and cablecasting organizations in the traditional sense will be the beneficiaries (to be defined) of the proposed Treaty, subject to clarification of the inclusion of cablecasting organizations in the definition of broadcasting organizations in national laws. (p.1) 3. It was understood that broadcasting and cablecasting are included in the scope of application of the proposed Treaty on a signal based approach, subject to clarification of the inclusion of cablecasting organizations in the definition of broadcasting organizations in national laws and of the effect of that inclusion on the scope of application. (p.1) 4. On Article 6, discussions took place on the inclusion, in the scope of application, of transmissions over the Internet, with the understanding that such transmissions, if they are to be included, would be limited to those transmissions originating from broadcasting organizations and cablecasting organizations in the traditional sense. If such protection is to be included, further discussions will be held on whether the protection would be mandatory or optional. (p.1) 5. Discussions took place on transmission over the Internet of simultaneous and unchanged transmissions of broadcasts, and it was understood that if transmissions over the Internet originating from beneficiaries of the proposed Treaty are included in the scope of application of the proposed Treaty, then at least such simultaneous and unchanged transmissions should be included. (p.1) 6. Further discussions will take place in relation to the possible inclusion in the scope of application of transmissions over the Internet, when originating from the beneficiaries of the proposed Treaty, of Internet originated transmissions, on-demand transmissions (to be defined), or deferred and unchanged transmissions of broadcasts.(p.1) 7. Further discussions will take place in relation to the protection of pre-broadcast signals under the proposed Treaty. (p.2) […]” (SCCR/26/REF/CONCLUSIONS, pp.1-2)
SCCR/27: 2014	Proposals and working document on the broadcast treaty	“Working Document for a Treaty on the Protection of Broadcasting Organizations”, prepared by the Secretariat (SCCR/27/2 REV.); “Proposed WIPO treaty on the protection of broadcasting organizations”, presented by United Kingdom (SCCR/27/3); “Proposal on a Treaty on the Protection of Broadcasting and Cablecasting Organizations”, presented by the Delegations of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan (SCCR/27/6). Conclusions […] 4. During the discussions it was understood that broadcasting (wireless or by wire), cablecasting subject to clarification of the legal treatment of cablecasting organizations in national laws, and pre-broadcast signals should be included in the scope of application of the proposed Treaty on a signal-based approach. Some delegations were of the view that such protection should be mandatory under the Treaty. 5. Different points of view were expressed with regard to simultaneous and near simultaneous unchanged transmission of broadcasts. Some delegations considered such transmission closely connected to broadcasting, while some other delegations were of the view that such transmissions required further discussion in the Committee to consider possible inclusion in the object of protection of the proposed treaty. 6. Discussions took place in relation to the possible inclusion of deferred linear transmissions of broadcasts and on demand transmissions of broadcasts (catch up) and program related material, which will be further examined at the next session of the Committee. If such protection is to be included, further discussions will be held on whether the protection would be mandatory or optional. 7. Several delegations did not agree with the possibility of including Internet originated linear transmissions in the object of protection while other delegations expressed a preference for its inclusion. 8. In relation to the protection to be granted to beneficiaries, various approaches were discussed which will be further examined at the next session of the Committee. Some delegations expressed support in favor of rights relating to the transmission of the broadcast signal from a fixation while some delegations strongly questioned the granting of rights for activities taking place after the fixation of a broadcast signal, such as reproduction of fixations of broadcasts, distribution of fixations, and performance of a broadcast signal in places accessible to the public. A number of delegations considered that there should be exclusive rights for broadcasting organizations while others considered there should be a right to prohibit when third parties intercept signals by any means.” (SCCR/27/9, p.63)
SCCR/30: 2015	Study on trends in the broadcasting sector	Report on the “Current Market and Technology Trends in the Broadcasting Sector”, prepared by Information Analytics Expertise (IHS) (SCCR/30/5). “9. In relation to the scope and object of protection, with the exception of one delegation that needed further time to consider the possibility of providing protection under any platform, the Committee was of the view that effective legal international protection be granted to broadcasting organizations to prohibit the unauthorized use of broadcast signals in the course of a transmission over any technological platform. Issues related to national regulations applying to the broadcasting sector were also raised. 10. The Committee also further considered definitions related to broadcasting and broadcasting organizations. These definitions should be drafted taking into account similar definitions in existing treaties. Discussion was also opened on the definition of signal. 11. The Committee requested the Chair to prepare for its next session a consolidated text with respect to definitions, object of protection, and rights to be granted. […] 12. There was no agreement on recommendations to the WIPO General Assembly (WIPO/GA/47).” (Summary by Chair, p.2)
SCCR/31: 2015	Consolidated text	“Consolidated Text on Definitions, Object of Protection, and Rights to be Granted”, prepared by the Chair (SCCR/31/3).
SCCR/32: 2016	Revised consolidated text	“Revised consolidated Text on Definitions, Object of Protection, and Rights to be Granted”, prepared by the Chair (SCCR/32/3).
SCCR/33: 2016	Revised consolidated text and note on draft treaty	“Revised Consolidated Text on Definitions, Object of Protection, and Rights to be Granted”, prepared by the Chair (SCCR/33/3). “Note on the Draft Treaty to Protect Broadcasting Organizations”, presented by Argentina (SCCR/33/5).
SCCR/34: 2017	Revised consolidated text	“Revised Consolidated Text on Definitions, Object of Protection, Rights to be Granted and Other Issues”, prepared by the Chair (SCCR/34/3); “Revised Consolidated Text on Definitions, Object Of Protection, Rights to be Granted and other Issues”, prepared by the Chair (SCCR/34/4).
SCCR/35: 2017	Broadcasting L&Es and revised consolidated text	“Scoping Study on the Impact of the Digital Environment on Copyright Legislation Adopted between 2006 and 2016”, prepared by Ms. Guilda Rostama, Ph.D (SCCR/35/4); “Broadcasting Limitations and Exceptions: Proposal to Advance Discussions”, prepared by the Delegations of Argentina, Brazil and Chile (SCCR/35/10); “Revised Consolidated Text on Definitions, Object of Protection, Rights to be Granted and other Issues”, prepared by the Chair (SCCR/35/12).
SCCR/36: 2018	Revised consolidated text and note on the draft treaty	“Note on the Draft Treaty to Protect Broadcasting Organizations”, submitted by Argentina (SCCR/36/5); “Revised Consolidated Text on Definitions, Object of Protection, Rights to be Granted and Other Issues”, prepared by the Chair (SCCR/36/6). “8. An agreement was reached on the following Recommendation to the WIPO General Assembly (WIPO/GA/58): In view of the progress made in recent SCCR sessions, the General Assembly is invited to consider appropriate action towards convening a Diplomatic Conference for the adoption of a treaty on the protection of broadcasting organizations, subject to reaching consensus on fundamental issues, that is, objectives, specific scope and object of protection” (SCCR/36/REF SUMMARY BY THE CHAIR, p.2)
SCCR/37: 2018	Revised consolidated text and proposals	“Proposal by the Delegation of Argentina”(SCCR/37/2, proposing amendments to part B of the document SCCR/36/6. Proposing that: “deferred transmissions be classified only into (i) equivalent deferred transmissions, and (ii) other deferred transmissions”); “Proposal of the United States of America on the Scope and Implementation of Rights, WIPO Draft Treaty on the Protection of Broadcasting Organizations”(SCCR/37/7); “Revised Consolidated Text on Definitions, Object of Protection, Rights to be Granted and Other Issues”, prepared by the Chair (SCCR/37/8).
SCCR/38: 2019	Revised consolidated text	“Revised Consolidated Text on Definitions, Object Of Protection, Rights to be Granted and Other Issues”, prepared by the Chair (SCCR/38/10). “An agreement was reached on the following Recommendation to the WIPO General Assembly (WIPO/GA/59): In view of the steady progress made in recent SCCR sessions, the GA invites the SCCR to continue its work towards convening a diplomatic conference for the adoption of a treaty on the protection of broadcasting organizations, aiming for the 2020/2021 biennium, subject to Member States reaching consensus in the SCCR on the fundamental issues, including specific scope, object of protection and rights to be granted” (SCCR/38/SUMMARY BY THE CHAIR, p.3)
SCCR/39: 2019	Revised consolidated texts	“Revised Consolidated Texts on Definitions, Object of Protection, Rights to be Granted and Other Issues”, prepared by the Chair (SCCR/39/4, SCCR/39/7).
SCCR/42: 2022	Revised draft text	“Revised Draft Text for the WIPO Broadcasting Organizations Treaty”, prepared by the SCCR Acting Chair in cooperation with the SCCR Vice-Chair and facilitators (SCCR/42/3). “The Committee discussed whether to hold a special technical session dedicated to this agenda item before the end of 2022. There was no consensus on this proposal. The Committee agreed to hold two regular sessions of the SCCR in 2023” (SCCR/42/SUMMARY BY THE CHAIR, p.3).
SCCR/43: 2023	Second revised draft of the broadcast treaty	“Second Revised Draft Text for the WIPO Broadcasting Organizations Treaty”, prepared by the SCCR Chair in cooperation with the SCCR Vice-Chairs and facilitators (SCCR/43/3). “7. […] With respect to objectives, there is common understanding amongst the Committee that any potential treaty should be narrowly focused on signal piracy and that it should provide member states with flexibility to implement obligations through adequate and effective legal means. With these objectives in mind, there is also common understanding that the object of protection (subject matter) of any potential treaty should be limited to the transmission of programme-carrying signals and should not extend to any post-fixation activities, thus avoiding interference with the rights related to the underlying content. Members expressed various views as to whether a potential treaty should require a minimum level of protection with respect to broadcasting over computer networks, the effect of introducing a fixation right, the effect of not having a term of protection, and the scope of limitations and exceptions, among others”. (SCCR/43/Summary, pp.2-3)
SCCR/44: 2023	Third revised draft of the broadcast treaty	“Third Revised Draft Text for the WIPO Broadcasting Organizations treaty”, prepared by the SCCR Chair in cooperation with the SCCR Vice-Chairs and facilitators (SCCR/44/3). “The Chair’s assessment of the status of this work is as follows. With respect to objectives, there is common understanding amongst the Committee that any potential treaty should be narrowly focused on signal piracy, should not extend to any post-fixation activities and that it should provide member states with flexibility to implement obligations through adequate and effective legal means. There is also common understanding that the object of protection (subject-matter) of any potential treaty should be related to programme-carrying signals linked to linear transmission. 9. The Chair believes that there are three main remaining decision points of this agenda item, specifically: 1. Whether there should be a minimum level of protection for transmissions over computer networks; and if so, what kind and level of protection. 2. The scope of programme-carrying signals to be protected by any treaty, specifically pre transmission access, catch-up (transmission of “stored programmes”) and pre-broadcast signals. 3. Striking the right balance concerning the approach to limitations and exceptions.” (SCCR/44/SUMMARY, p.3)
SCCR/45: 2024	Draft treaty text	“Draft WIPO Broadcasting Organizations Treaty”, prepared by the SCCR Chair in cooperation with the SCCR Vice-Chairs and facilitators (SCCR/45/3). “7. The Chair´s assessment of the status of this work is as follows. With respect to objectives, there is common understanding amongst the Committee that the treaty should be narrowly focused on signal piracy, should not extend to any post-fixation activities and that it should provide member states with flexibility to implement obligations through adequate and effective legal means. There is also common understanding that the object of protection (subject-matter) of the treaty is related to programme-carrying signals linked to linear transmission. 8. The Chair observes there was progress on several topics of discussion which would allow the Committee to further narrow the gaps between the different positions, but there was no agreement on proposed changes to several articles. In particular, there were positive proposals on the definition of broadcasting organizations; on beneficiaries of protection; on ensuring that technical protection measures should not prevent beneficiaries from enjoying the limitations and exceptions provided for in the Treaty; and on providing additional flexibility on the implementation by contracting parties of other means of adequate and effective protection. There was also a proposal that the national treatment provision should not apply to any remuneration schemes provided for under limitations and exceptions covered by the Treaty. 9. In addition to the above, the Chair observes that the potential to exclude mere webcasters from the scope of the treaty may also be needed in order to achieve broader agreement. Member States taking this reservation would apply the Treaty’s protection to broadcasters in the traditional sense, whatever their means of transmission, but not to mere webcasters. In such a case, article 6 (2) would no longer be needed. Other Member States noted that they needed further consultation on the implication of deleting article 6 (2). 10. Achieving a consensus could also require new treatment of the three-step test in article 11. 11. The Chair noted that some Member States were of the view that the text was ready for a final negotiation at a Diplomatic Conference in 2025, while at the same time other Member States considered that more discussions were needed.12. Based on the above, the Chair will draft a new version of the text in order to allow the Committee to discuss the text and further consider during the SCCR/46 whether to recommend, or not, that the General Assembly convene a diplomatic conference”. (SCCR/45/SUMMARY, pp.2-3)
SCCR/46: 2025	Draft treaty text	“Draft WIPO Broadcasting Organizations Treaty”, prepared by the SCCR Chair in cooperation with the SCCR Vice-Chair and facilitators (SCCR/46/3). “During the plenary session, some Member States were of the view that the Committee was approaching readiness for a final negotiation at a Diplomatic Conference, while at the same time other Member States considered that more discussions were necessary. In addition to this, a few Member States suggested the need to explore convergent approaches outside the SCCR agenda regarding the broadcasting item, while some Member States disagreed with this suggestion. 8. In the informal setting, the discussions covered a number of topics, including the issues of national treatment and reciprocity, exceptions and limitations, the protection of signals used in making available to the public of stored programs laid down in Article 8, and the functioning of the mechanism laid down in Article 10, including wireless transmissions. The Committee during its next session will engage further in discussions, in particular on these matters, with the aim of further considering whether or not to recommend that the General Assembly convene a diplomatic conference”. (SCCR/46/SUMMARY, p.2)