Protocol Amending the Marrakesh Agreement: What It Means and Why It Matters
The Marrakesh Agreement is a treaty that established the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1994. The agreement aims to promote free and fair trade among its member countries, which currently number 164. However, like any international agreement, the Marrakesh Agreement is not set in stone. It can be amended to reflect changing circumstances and priorities.
In 2015, member countries of the WTO agreed to amend the Marrakesh Agreement through a new protocol. The protocol is known as the Protocol Amending the TRIPS Agreement (the abbreviation TRIPS stands for Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights). The TRIPS Agreement is one of the most important agreements within the WTO, as it governs how member countries protect and enforce intellectual property rights.
So what exactly does the Protocol Amending the TRIPS Agreement do? Essentially, it alters the TRIPS Agreement to make it easier for countries to import and export goods in formats that are accessible to people with disabilities. The amendment specifically deals with copyrighted works, such as books and other written, audio, or visual materials. In the past, copyright laws have made it difficult for countries to share accessible versions of copyrighted works across borders.
The Protocol Amending the TRIPS Agreement addresses this problem by allowing countries to create exceptions to copyright laws for the purpose of making accessible versions of copyrighted works. This means that countries can permit the creation and distribution of accessible versions of copyrighted works without requiring permission from the copyright holder. The accessible versions can be in any format needed to accommodate people with disabilities, including Braille, large print, audio, and electronic formats.
The protocol also outlines procedures for countries to follow when importing and exporting accessible versions of copyrighted works. Countries must notify the WTO of their intent to use these exceptions, and they must provide information about the accessible versions being imported or exported. This information must include the title of the work, the author, the type of accessible format being used, and the destination country.
The Protocol Amending the TRIPS Agreement is a significant step forward for people with disabilities around the world. It makes it easier for countries to share accessible versions of copyrighted works, which in turn increases access to information, education, and cultural enrichment for people with disabilities. It also promotes the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which recognizes the importance of accessible information and communication technologies.
Overall, the Protocol Amending the TRIPS Agreement is an example of how international agreements can evolve to reflect changing needs and priorities. It demonstrates the importance of collaboration and cooperation among member countries of the WTO. By working together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable world that values the rights and dignity of all people, including those with disabilities.
