Rome Convention provisions

The Rome Convention requires member countries to protect (a) the performances of performers, (b) the phonograms of producers of phonograms, and (c) the broadcasts of broadcasting organizations. However, once a performer has consented to the incorporation of her performance in a visual or audiovisual fixation, the provisions on performers’ rights have no further application.

The Rome Convention permits member countries to make exceptions and limitations to the rights of performers, producer of phonograms, and broadcasting organizations; one such permissible exceptions is the use of a work for the purpose of teaching or scientific research.

Membership in the Rome Convention is open to all countries that are members of the Berne Convention or the Universal Copyright Convention. Countries that accede to the treaty may make reservations with regard to the application of certain provisions. This has as a result that acceding countries can avoid the application of rules that would require important changes to their national laws.