Vanuatu, Malaysia go to ©

The Cruel © ...?

If you are one of those people who never miss a chance to get excited over the latest additions to the global family of copyright-respecting nations, you will certainly not be disappointed at the news that the Republic of Vanuatu has taken the plunge -- if that be the right word for a Republic which is in danger of being submerged utterly by the unforgiving oceans -- of acceding to the Berne Convention. Berne comes into force for Vanuatu with effect from 27 December of this year.

Malaysia too has been busy on the international copyright scene, opting for the brace of 1996 treaties that bear WIPO's name. Coincidentally, these treaties also take effect with regard to Malaysia on 27 December.

Full details are available via WIPO here:

Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works - Accession by the Republic of Vanuatu Berne Notification No. 257 

WIPO Copyright Treaty - Accession by Malaysia WCT Notification No. 78 

WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty - Accession by Malaysia  WPPT Notification No. 82