International Legal Frameworks Governing The Internet And Intellectual Property Rights
- IJLLR Journal
- Jan 1
- 2 min read
L. Keerthana, Assistant Professor, School of Law, VISTAS.
T. Saroja Devi, Assistant Professor, School of Law, VISTAS.
INTRODUCTION:
The rapid development of the Internet has transformed the creation, transfers and consumption of intellectual property, which posing complex legal challenges that transcend national boundaries. As a result, several international legal frameworks have been developed to control Internet governance and safeguard intellectual property rights (IPR) in the online space. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) oversee agreements like the Berne Convention, the TRIPS Agreement, and the WIPO Internet Treaties. This paper looks at the development and efficacy of important international legal instruments governing Internet-based IPR protection. It further explores the role of global institutions in addressing issues related to digital copyright infringement, domain name disputes, intermediary liability, and cross-border enforcement. The study highlights the persistent challenges posed by jurisdictional limitations, technological advancements, and the growing influence of digital platforms. By analysing the balance between IPR protection, access to information, and freedom of expression, the paper underscores the need for harmonised and adaptive international legal policies. The study concludes by emphasizing the importance of global cooperation and policy reform to ensure effective intellectual property governance in the evolving digital landscape.
INTERNATIONAL INSTRUMENT FOR THE PROTECTION OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY:
WIPO – The World Intellectual Property Organisation
WIPO has played an important role in coordinating copyright issues in many countries. The United International Bureau for the Protection of Intellectual Property (BIRPI) is an international organization established in 1893 to oversee the implementation of the Berne Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property. It is the predecessor of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The 1996 WIPO Copyright Treaty and the 1996 WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty are two flagship treaties to resolve intellectual property issues. These treaties have established guiding principles for the signatories to formulate laws to protect intellectual property rights in the offline world, but there is still much work to be done to protect intellectual property rights in cyberspace.
