Glossary

The Geneva Convention

The Geneva Convention for the Protection of Producers of Phonograms Against Unauthorized Duplication of Their Phonograms (commonly referred to as the Geneva Phonograms Convention of 1971) is an international treaty established to protect the rights of producers of phonograms (sound recordings) against unauthorised reproduction and distribution of their works. 

It grants producers of phonograms—typically record labels, artists and producers—exclusive rights to authorise or prohibit the reproduction of their phonograms. This means that any unauthorised copying or distribution of sound recordings is prohibited under the treaty, and producers have the legal framework to enforce these rights in countries who have signed the treaty.

The treaty is enforced by WIPO, ILO and UNESCO.

WIPO (2024).Summary of the Geneva Convention for the Protection of Producers of Phonograms Against Unauthorized Duplication of their Phonograms (1971). WIPO Website. Available at: https://www.wipo.int/treaties/en/ip/phonograms/summary_phonograms.html 

WIPO (2024). Convention for the Protection of Producers of Phonograms Against Unauthorized Duplication of Their Phonograms. WIPO Website. Available at: https://www.wipo.int/treaties/en/ip/phonograms/

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