Some of you may be aware that there is a growing push by some major web portals to include the protection for webcasting in a WIPO broadcasting treaty. Under the stated proposals, websites will be able to legally control how images and sounds (but not the text) that appear on their websites are disseminated on the Internet. When I first heard of the proposal, the first thing I thought about was how it could potentially affect Minitokyo.
WIPO, for those unaware of the term, is the World Intellectual Property Organization, an international organization that works to establish common IP standards across the world. The intent of the organization is certainly honorable and most of its actions beneficial, but sometimes domestic implementation of WIPO treaties is highly unpopular. The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) of the United States was, for example, passed as the implementing legislation for a WIPO treaty.
Because of its association with legislation such as the DMCA, many people are quick to denounce proposals for further WIPO treaties, but at the same time inclusion of webcasting in a broadcast treaty, if done correctly e.g. through distinction between public and private domain, can be extremely beneficial to sites such as Minitokyo where theft of artwork is a real and constant concern.
I admit, however, that I am far from being an expert on broadcast law and the specifics of the debate, and therefore would like to hear any comments that any others may have on the issue.
