Celebrating World IP Day and calling for ratification of the Beijing Treaty

On April 26 every year, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) celebrates the World Intellectual Property Day in order to promote discussion of the role of intellectual property (IP) in encouraging innovation and creativity. After focussing on film last year (WIPD 2014), WIPO decided to put a specific focus on music for 2015.

FIA and its members joined the worldwide celebration raising awareness on how IP contributes to the flourishing of the arts. On this special occasion, world famous actors recorded video messages advocating for the recognition of performers economic and moral rights and calling for ratification of the WIPO Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances. Watch all the videos in the FIA Video section or YouTube channel:

“Performers need the basic protection of the Beijing Treaty made into national laws” Actress Ferne Downey, ACTRA National President, FIA President

“As an artist, you deserve to have control over your own image and work!” Actor Sean Astin

"In an industry that is increasingly online and global, performers need protection" Actor Ian McKellen 

“We need to stand together to ensure that we can preserve the artistic integrity of our work, and that we are fairly compensated for it” Actress Gabrielle Carteris, SAG-AFTRA Executive Vice President

“This Treaty will finally give artists the protection they deserve” Actor and director Clark Gregg

“A chance like this may not come around again” Actress Ellen Crawford, SAG-AFTRA National Board Member

“Now is the time to speak up” Actor Kevin Scullin, SAG-AFTRA National Board Member

 “If you don’t sand up for your rights, who do you think will?” Roberta Reardon, SAG-AFTRA National Board Member

“I urge the member states of WIPO to make ratification of the Beijing Treaty an absolute priority” Robert Newman, SAG-AFTRA Vice President