COPYRIGHT PROTECTION UNDER TRIPS

Abstract

The Berne, Universal copyright Convention, Rome and Phonogram convention`s did not contain any provisions obliging the member states to introduce enforcement mechanism or assisting in settlement of disputes which arose as to the application of these convention` particularly related to copyright. Moreover these conventions did not deal with newer technical developments like in making and use of computer programs and databases. Therefore, an important initiative was taken at international level in the form of Trade Related Aspect of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement, which established minimum standards for Intellectual property protection (including copyright) both in its substantive and enforcement mechanism. The TRIP now sets forth the so called `Berne-Plus` minima for substantive protection. But this agreement related to Copyright does not cover certain areas, which is necessary in the context of fulfilling the demands of developing and least developed countries. Accordingly there is a need to address those issues.