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WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty

What is WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty? A clear definition from the recording section of our glossary, with 12 related terms and further reading.

Definition of WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty

The WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (or WPPT) is an international treaty adopted in Geneva on 20 December 1996. It came into effect on 20 May 2002. The treaty deals with the rights of two kinds of beneficiaries, particularly in the digital environment: performers (actors, singers, musicians, etc.); and producers of phonograms (persons or legal entities that take the initiative and have the responsibility for the fixation of sounds).

As of July 2026, the treaty has 115 contracting parties. The Treaty is open to States members of World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and to the European Community. The treaty is administered by WIPO. The WPPT and the WIPO Copyright Treaty are together termed WIPO Internet Treaties.

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Frequently asked questions

What is WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty?

The WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (or WPPT) is an international treaty adopted in Geneva on 20 December 1996. It came into effect on 20 May 2002.

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