Switzerland and the WIPO Internet Treaties

The WIPO Internet Treaties: Must Switzerland join?

Yes. Switzerland signed the WIPO Internet Treaties in 1997 and, as a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) is obligated to implement the provisions.

International guidelines

In addition to the WIPO Internet Treaties, a postulate by the National Assembly Commission for Legal Affairs has also stipulated that developments in the European Community should be taken into consideration, particularly the EU Copyright Directive. Following the EU regulations would mean more comprehensive protection of technological measures because the EU directive, in contrast to the WIPO Internet Treaties, prohibits not only the act of circumvention (code cracking) but also trade in the tools and technologies which make that act possible. To counterbalance this measure for the interests of consumers and users, the directive also requires member states to assure that certain copyright exceptions can still be taken advantage of even when technological measures are in place.

National guidelines

National guidelines, such as the December 13, 2002 Federal Law on Equal Rights for the Disabled, must also be taken into consideration. Consequently, an exception is being created that will guarantee that works can be formatted (such as for Braille or audio books) to make them accessible to people with disabilities.