April 24, the 8th Meeting of the 12th National People's Congress ratified the Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances (hereinafter referred to as Beijing Treaty). It is said that Beijing Treaty is a new international norm to fully protecting performers' voice and image. As soon as it comes into force, Chinese performers will be under full protection among the parties where it has been ratified or acceded.

Beijing Treaty aims at performances recorded in the "audio-visual fixations", provides performers with a wide range of rights. It fills the gap of comprehensive copyright protection international treaties in the audiovisual performance field.

The official from National Copyright Administration believes China ratifying Beijing Treaty is significant. Firstly, as where Beijing Treaty concluded, on the basis of successfully hosting diplomatic conference and driving to conclude the treaty, it will greatly enhance China's image of intellectual property protection and increase China's international discourse in the field of intellectual property. Secondly, as soon as Beijing Treaty goes into force, performers' rights in their "audio-visual fixations" will be recognized and fully protected, which will inspire their enthusiasm and promote the creation and dissemination of performing works. Thirdly, there are so many different categories of performance industry, including radio, television and stage. Beijing Treaty will attract more people coming into the cultural industry, especially show industry, promote the development of related industries,  enhance the level of national economy development, and give people more chance to enjoy the rich spiritual and cultural products. Fourthly,  Beijing Treaty incorporates performers of "literary folk art expression" in its scope of protection. In the country of China who has five thousand years' long history, it helps dig and develop traditional folk arts performances, and promote traditional Chinese culture "going abroad". Last but not least, the treaty is named after the city of Beijing, which will help the internationalization of Beijing Urban Construction.

As of now, World Intellectual Property Organization's 70 member states, including China, have signed and officially admitted the Beijing Treaty.

(China IP News)