Policy Making

The most important assets of publishers are the rights they own or control in the works they publish. Copyright is the main legal instrument to protect these rights. It is the safeguard that protects publisher investment, the incentive that determines the relationship between author and publisher and provides the livelihood for both. For this reason, the defence and promotion of copyright is one of IPA's core objectives.

IPA in International Fora

 

IPA enjoys observer status at UN organisations, including WIPO and UNESCO, and also maintains a close relationship with WTO. This allows IPA to influence international copyright policy in various ways:

 

IPA has the right to attend diplomatic conferences dealing with copyright issues, and can make oral and written submissions outlining the views or concerns of the publishing industry on a particular initiative. This way, IPA can ensure that diplomatic delegates consider the needs of the book and journal publishing industry prior to voting on the adoption of a treaty or other policy measure. IPA can therefore actively contribute to the introduction or improvement of copyright laws.

 

IPA's regular contacts with key staff of the WIPO, UNESCO and WTO Secretariats allow IPA to identify issues early on and to offer advice and guidance in the interest of the international publishing community.

 

 

IPA at National and Regional Level

 

IPA monitors national or regional legislative activities in the area of copyright law, and in particular the correct implementation of international treaty obligations. Whenever necessary, and in co-operation with IPA's local or regional member, IPA intervenes at government level to ensure respect for publishers' interests, and to voice the concerns of the international publishing community wherever its interests are at stake.