Yan Xiaohong Elected as the First Assembly Chair of WIPO

Mr. Yan Xiaohong, Chairman of the Copyright Society of China, was elected as the first Assembly Chair of Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances (Beijing Treaty), at the 61st Series of Meetings of the Assemblies of the Member States of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) which took place in Geneva, Switzerland from September 21 to 25. This is the first time that a Chinese representative holds the position as the chair of WIPO copyright treaty assembly.

The Beijing Treaty, successfully concluded at the WIPO Diplomatic Conference on the Protection of Audiovisual Performances in Beijing on June 26, 2012, and entering into force on April 28 this year, is designed to comprehensively reinforce the protection of performers’ rights by the international community, and promote the diversified development of audiovisual and cultural industries. It marks a milestone in international endeavors to protect intellectual property rights. The Beijing Treaty is administered by WIPO, a UN specialized agency. This is the first session of the Assembly of the Beijing Treaty after it entered into force, which is attended by 34 countries that have ratified or acceded to the treaty.

On Mr. Yan’s election, an official at the National Copyright Administration of China (NCAC) commented that the Beijing Treaty is the first international intellectual property treaty concluded in China and named after a Chinese city since the founding of the People’s Republic of China. As the country where the treaty was concluded, China has been devoted to making constructive efforts in the conclusion, entry into force, and promotion of the treaty, and has actively contributed to improving the international intellectual property protection system, which have demonstrated China’s endeavors and determination to respect knowledge and protect innovation. Mr. Yan’s election is a vivid example of China’s rising national strength and influence globally. It is conducive to strengthen extensive exchanges between China and other WIPO member states. In addition, the election is also an example of China’s active role in global copyright governance and the initiative to assume international responsibilities. It will enhance the representation and voice of developing countries in international affairs, and contribute China’s solution, capability, and wisdom in setting a fairer and more reasonable international copyright order.

(Source: National Copyright Administration)