The Beijing Treaty extended international copyright protections to audiovisual performers, entering into force in 2020 after 30 ratifications.
Key Facts
- Adoption date
- 26 June 2012
- Participating WIPO member states
- 156 states
- Initial signatories (26 June 2012)
- 48 countries
- Entry into force
- 28 April 2020
- Ratifications required for entry into force
- 30 ratifications
- Contracting parties (as of Sept 2025)
- 48 parties
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Prior to the treaty, audiovisual performers lacked robust international copyright protections equivalent to those afforded to other rights holders. WIPO member states sought to address this gap and harmonize performers' rights across jurisdictions, prompted by the growing global trade in audiovisual content and technological changes affecting distribution.
On 26 June 2012, WIPO's Diplomatic Conference on the Protection of Audiovisual Performances, attended by 156 member states and several intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, adopted the Beijing Treaty. The treaty established minimum standards for the economic and moral rights of performers in audiovisual works.
The treaty entered into force on 28 April 2020 after receiving its 30th ratification. While welcomed by artists' rights advocates, it drew criticism from digital rights groups such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation, who argued it could infringe on free speech and enable censorship. As of September 2025, 48 states are contracting parties.
Political Outcome
Treaty adopted and entered into force on 28 April 2020, establishing international copyright protections for audiovisual performers.
Audiovisual performers had limited international copyright protections
Expanded performers' rights codified under binding international treaty