The first International Convention related to Copyright was held at
(A) Berne
(B) London
(C) Geneva
(D) Rome
Correct Ans: (A)
Explanation:
The first international copyright convention happened in Berne, Switzerland, in 1886. It established the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works. Before this, copyright protection depended on national laws. However, authors faced challenges when their works spread across borders.
The convention introduced two key principles. First, automatic protection, meaning works received copyright in all member countries without registration. Second, national treatment, ensuring foreign authors had the same rights as local ones. These principles helped create a global standard for protecting creative works.
Over the years, the convention underwent revisions to strengthen authors’ rights. It later influenced global copyright laws and led to the formation of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Today, most countries follow the Berne Convention’s guidelines.
Although London, Geneva, and Rome hosted important copyright discussions, Berne was the birthplace of this historic agreement. Geneva later became significant for WIPO’s headquarters, while Rome contributed to the protection of performers’ rights.
Thus, the Berne Convention laid the foundation for modern copyright laws. Its impact continues to shape intellectual property rights worldwide.
