Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- At the regular plenary meeting of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, deputies discussed the draft law “On the accession of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the International Convention for the Protection of the Rights of Performers, Producers of Phonograms and Broadcasting Organizations (Rome, on 26 October 1961).”

It is noted that this convention is aimed at protecting related rights, that is, the rights of performers, producers of phonograms and broadcasting organizations in contracting states, as well as the rights of participating countries to ensure national treatment in relation to performers, producers of phonograms and broadcasting organizations that are protected by copyright according to Berne Convention, which helps prevent the illegal use of media products.

Currently, on the territory of our republic, the rights of foreign copyright holders to performances, phonograms and broadcasts are protected by copyright in accordance with the Berne Convention. However, during the studies, a number of cases were revealed of the use of performances, phonograms of foreign rights holders, and programs of broadcasting organizations on an (illegal) basis without a contract.

Accession to international agreements in the field of copyright and related rights and compliance with their norms, in addition to increasing the global image and investment attractiveness of our country, will increase not only the authority and investment attractiveness of the country in the world, but also the implementation of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, during accession our country to the World Trade Organization.

According to the deputies, Uzbekistan’s accession to the Rome Convention creates the basis for the effective protection of objects of related rights, the introduction of international standards, and the development of the field of copyright and related rights.

The bill was adopted by deputies and sent to the Senate.