Treaty Allows for Copyright Exceptions
The Marrakesh Treaty allows for modest copyright exceptions to facilitate the creation of accessible versions of books and other copyrighted works for people with visually disabilities. As the American Library Association states, the treaty:
provides a copyright exception for "authorized entities"-including libraries-to make materials available across borders to people with print disabilities whose countries have already ratified the treaty.
Timeline
- June 27, 2013: The Marrakesh Treaty is adopted in Marrakesh. It forms part of the body of international copyright treaties administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
- June 28, 2018: U.S. Senate gives advice and consent to ratify the treaty and passed the implementing legislation.
- September 25, 2018: U.S. House of Representatives passes the treaty.
- October 9, 2018: Treaty becomes U.S. law.
Related References
- Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired, or Otherwise Print Disabled - World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
- US House of Representatives Passes Marrakesh Treaty Implementation Act - National Federation of the Blind
- Miracle in Marrakesh Makes It to US - Kathi Kromer
- Marrakesh VIP Treaty - Wikipedia
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)