The Union Cabinet has approved India’s accession to WIPO Copyright Treaty, 1996 and WIPO Performers and Phonograms Treaty, 1996 which extends coverage of copyright to the internet and digital environment.

• These treaties will help India to enable creative right-holders enjoy fruit of their labour, through international copyright system that can be used to secure return on investment made in producing and distributing creative works.
• It will also facilitate international protection of domestic rights holder by providing them level-playing field in other countries as India already extends protection to foreign works through International Copyright order and these treaties will enable Indian right holders to get reciprocal protection abroad.
• It will instil confidence and distribute creative works in digital environment with return on investment and spur business growth and contribute to the development of a vibrant creative economy and cultural landscape. For details on these treaties please refer to the international affairs tab.