Assessing Malaysia’s Readiness for the Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances through Copyright Act 1987

Abstract

The Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances known as the 'Beijing Treaty' represents a crucial international treaty designed to enhance the protection of audiovisual performers and their rights in audiovisual performances. To successfully implement the treaty, addressing issues related to defining the scope of protection, transfer of rights and establishing mechanisms for collective rights management for audiovisual performers is important. Given the dynamic evolution of the global audiovisual entertainment industry, it is paramount for countries like Malaysia to thoroughly assess their readiness to effectively implement the Beijing Treaty in the copyright legal framework. Malaysia's commitment and policy decision to evaluate crucial aspects of the issues will ultimately determine the success of its involvement in the broader global initiative to strengthen copyright protection for audiovisual performers within the copyright law spheres. Hence, this article will comprehensively examine the provisions related to the Beijing Treaty and determine whether Malaysia is prepared for the implications and requirements set forth by the Beijing Treaty to be incorporated in the Copyright Act 1987. This article also aims to guide the policymakers in crafting strategies for effective integration of the treaty into the national legal framework particularly in the Copyright Act 1987.