1. Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works (1886)
(Revised several times; major revision Paris Act 1971 — currently applicable)
Key Facts
- Oldest copyright treaty (1886).
- Administered by WIPO.
- Aim:
“Protect, in as effective and uniform a manner as possible, the rights of authors in their literary and artistic works.”
2. Universal Copyright Convention (UCC), 1952
Background
- Adopted in Geneva under UNESCO.
- Created as an alternative for states unwilling to join Berne Convention.
- 3.Madrid Agreement (1891) and Madrid Protocol (1989)
- International Registration of Trademarks
- Madrid System
- Centralised procedure → one application, one fee, multiple countries.
- Operated by: WIPO International Bureau (Geneva).
- Members: ~90+ countries.
4. Rome Convention (1961)
Convention for the Protection of Performers, Producers of Phonograms & Broadcasting Organizations
Nature
- First treaty on Neighbouring / Related Rights (Rights connected to copyright).
5. TRIPS Agreement, 1994
(Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights)
Administered by
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
Came into force
- 1 January 1995
(Negotiated during Uruguay Round of GATT) - MCQ QUESTION
1. The Berne Convention was primarily designed to protect:
(A) Industrial designs
(B) Literary and artistic works
(C) Trademarks
(D) Geographical indications
Answer: (B)
2. Which principle states that protection should not depend on registration or formalities?
(A) National Treatment
(B) MFN
(C) Automatic Protection
(D) Independence of Protection
Answer: (C)
3. The independence of protection under Berne Convention means:
(A) Copyright depends on registration
(B) Protection depends on the author’s nationality
(C) Protection exists even if country of origin does not protect it
(D) Protection applies only if fees are paid
Answer: (C)
4. UCC was created by:
(A) WIPO
(B) UNESCO
(C) WTO
(D) UNCTAD
Answer: (B)
5. UCC required which of the following for copyright protection?
(A) No formalities
(B) Copyright notice + registration
(C) Author’s life term only
(D) Automatic protection
Answer: (B)
6. Madrid System deals with:
(A) Patents
(B) GI protection
(C) International registration of trademarks
(D) Broadcasting rights
Answer: (C)
7. The Madrid Protocol was adopted in:
(A) 1886
(B) 1952
(C) 1989
(D) 1994
Answer: (C)