WIPO/Finland Training Course on Copyright and Related Rights
The WIPO Finland training course is offered to enhance and develop skills in the management of copyright and related rights in a fast changing environment for the benefit of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. The course also promotes debate on topical copyright issues among officers from copyright offices and collective management organizations. The course is organised in cooperation with World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture.
WIPO selects the participants who are usually officials from relevant ministries, officers from collective management organizations or officials from copyright offices. The first course was organized in 1995 and in 2015 the course was organised for the 20th time. There has usually been 10–12 participants per year.
Content and structure of the course has covered the following subjects: Introduction to the Finnish society and culture, copyright policy making within the government, research, economic contribution of copyright-based industries, topical copyright issues in Finland, EU and WIPO, the future of internet and copyright, the purpose and functions of the copyright council, the rights of producers, management of rights in works, private copying remuneration system, limitations and exceptions to copyright, anti-piracy work in Finland and enforcement or rights and models on how to manage copyright.
At the end of the course, participants will be familiar with current issues pertaining to the copyright and related rights. The course has been successful in encouraging the participants to discuss national and international problems and differences in copyright and legislations, and also seek solutions. The feedback given directly to hosting country by the participants has been overwhelmingly positive. Every year the Ministry of Education and Culture seeks to develop the course and possibilities to increase cooperation with other countries organizing courses for the benefit of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. By doing this Finland also fulfills its duty to provide technical and financial co-operation, including the training of personnel, to developing and least developed countries pursuant to Article 67 of the 1994 Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
The skills and competencies in managing copyrights and related rights in developing countries are strenghtened.
WIPO covers the traveling costs of the participants to Finland. The Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture covers other costs, such as accommodation and daily allowances. The ministry’s share has been yearly about 25 000–35 000 euros for the last few years. The co-operative entities such as the Finnish collective societies, broadcasting companies, the anti-piracy organization, and the Finnish Copyright Society cover the costs related to their part of the course program.