IPOPHL Allows Copyrighted Works in Formats for the Blind
30 August 2013
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has signed the international Marrakesh Treaty to allow the creation of copyrighted works in formats for the blind, visually impaired, and print-disabled Filipinos.
After more than 600 delegates from 186 countries that are members of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) convened in Marrakesh, Morocco, to adopt the Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons who are Blind, Visually Impaired, or otherwise Print Disabled on June 28, 2013. IPOPHL joined on July 9, 2013.
The Marrakesh Treaty requires WIPO signatories to permit the reproduction, distribution, and availability of published works in accessible formats such as Braille, audio books, and large print formats for more than 300 million blind, visually impaired and print disabled people worldwide.
Prior to the treaty, the Philippines, passed Republic Act No. 10372 on February 28, 2013, to amend the IP Code of the Philippines to provide for a limitation on the rights of copyright holders by allowing the reproduction or distribution of publications in specialized formats, exclusively for the use of the blind, visually and reading impaired people, as well as on a non-profit basis. IPOPHL is currently in the process of finalizing the rules to implement the amendments under RA 10372.
“We call on all stakeholders and relevant government agencies to work together with IPOPHL to support the Philippines’ accession to the Marrakesh Treaty for the immediate benefit of the more than 3.6 million blind and visually impaired in the Philippines,” said IPOPHL director general Ricardo Blancaflor. “The Marrakesh Treaty is a testament that when the human race comes together, nothing is impossible and the possibilities become limitless. Countries around the world have come together to make this treaty possible. It is now the Philippines’ turn to do its part.”
