To the Members of the International Publishers Association

It is hard to believe that an entire year has already passed since my term began in January 2011.  I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and end of the year, surrounded by family and friends.  I am happy to report that IPA finished 2011 on a strong note.   First and foremost, we have continued to engage on the issues of copyright exceptions and limitations, particularly for the print disabled, but also for libraries and archives.  Second, the Freedom to Publish Committee remains very active, defending the rights of publishers around the world and supporting those who have been denied these rights.  Looking ahead to 2012, I hope to visit as many of our member associations as possible.  I just left the United Arab Emirates where I visited our Associate Member, the Emirati Publishers Association, and I am now in India, where I will be meeting with the leadership of the publishing industry, thanks to our Executive Committee Director, Asoke Ghosh.  I am also looking forward to seeing many of you in June at the highly anticipated 29th IPA Congress in Cape Town, South Africa.

WIPO: Debate on International Instruments for Minimum Copyright Exceptions and Limitations Expands

The debate on copyright exceptions and limitations at the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) remains at the core of IPA’s efforts.  In November, the Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights held its 23rd meeting (SCCR 23).  The committee spent three days discussing copyright exceptions and limitations for libraries and archives followed by a discussion of copyright exceptions and limitations for persons with print disabilities. 

The discussion of copyright exceptions and limitations for libraries and archives centered around eleven common topics which were identified and then commented on by the delegations.  These topics, along with comments on them, were then compiled by the Secretariat into a single document.  This document will be the basis for future text-based discussions at SCCR 24.  However, a number of delegations, with whom we share good relations, sought to make a distinction between the issue of exceptions and limitations for libraries and archives and those for persons with print disabilities. The US delegation came forward with a softly-worded document on principles, while other delegations made clear that this topic and the underlying document did not have the same status as the print disability issue. 

Meanwhile, the discussion on copyright limitations and exceptions for persons with print disabilities focused on the finalized Chairman’s Text from SCCR 22.  Following discussions, the document was re-opened, allowing Member States to add new comments and textual amendments. A new working document, which contains a far greater number of diverging positions and new suggestions, was then adopted by the Committee, and will constitute the basis for future text-based work at SCCR 24.

Throughout SCCR 23, IPA was able to be involved in several capacities, including a written submission commenting on exceptions for libraries and archives.  IPA also organized a side event on the collaboration between libraries and publishers, featuring Jessica Sänger (Germany), Maurice Long (Research for Life), Carlo Scollo Lavizzari (STM) and Brian Wafawarowa (South Africa), who all spoke on different library-related initiatives.  Furthermore, I am pleased to report that after meeting with the President and Secretary General of IFLA we are resuming the IFLA/IPA working group to try to find common ground on the substantial issues raised by IFLA in its draft treaty, giving case studies on how libraries and publishers resolve common challenges constructively.

During SCCR 23, the Mexican, Egyptian and American ambassadors hosted an event featuring IPA and the World Blind Union (WBU) in a discussion of the issues surrounding copyright exceptions and limitations for persons with print disabilities. IPA Executive Committee Director Brian Wafawarowa and I both spoke on ways publishers are seeking to address accessibility issues. Our openness and clarity in pointing out the specific problems which the previous instrument would have created led to some poignant questions to us and to the WBU alike. 

The Chairman and a number of member states encouraged IPA and the WBU to continue the work of the Stakeholders’ Platform.  IPA remains committed to the TIGAR project, the prototype of an international network of trusted intermediaries.

There is no doubt that the issue of minimum copyright exceptions and limitations will remain a key concern for IPA, especially because minimum exceptions and limitations for education will also be discussed by SCCR at their next meeting in July. It is very positive to note that since SCCR 23, a number of delegations have shown a strong interest in exchanges with IPA on aspects of the print disability instrument. I will keep you updated as IPA continues to work to ensure that copyright remains protected while simultaneously working to ensure publishers are able to reach as many people as possible.

Freedom to Publish Activities

Sadly, times remain difficult for many publishers around the world on this front.  IPA is working hard to highlight the violations of freedom to publish that persist around the world, in particular in our focal countries. 

On October 28, 2011, Ragip Zarakolu, Director of Belge Publishing House, member of IPA’s Freedom to Publish Committee and recipient of the 2008 IPA Freedom to Publish Prize, was arrested and imprisoned under Turkish Anti-Terror Legislation.  He was accused of “membership of an illegal organization.”  IPA immediately began lobbying Turkish authorities for Ragip’s release. Unfortunately, Ragip spent the holiday season in prison, and continues to be held in pre-trial detention, with no trial date in sight.  IPA will continue to lobby for Ragip’s release.

In December, Egyptian military rulers accused Mohamed Hashem, owner and managing director of Dar Merit and recipient the Jeri Laber International Freedom to Publish Award in 2006, of unlawfully supporting demonstrators on Tahrir Square.  General Adel Emara of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) denounced Hashem for exercising his civil rights by providing helmets and blankets to demonstrators.  IPA joined others in calling on the transitional Egyptian authorities to stop attacking Egyptian publishers who exercise their civil rights. Also in December, IPA wrote to condemn Russia’s anti-LGBT laws, which are in blatant breach of Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).  The bill denies freedom of expression to the local LGBT community and others, such as journalists, writers, researchers, and publishers.

2012 began with the publication of an IPA report on publishing and censorship in Vietnam. This report investigates the complex, bureaucratic, and at times irrational process that books have to undergo in Vietnam pre- and post-publication. It formulates an IPA “Road Map for Freedom to Publish”, making specific recommendations to the Vietnamese government to move towards greater freedom to publish. Following its publication, the report has been translated into Vietnamese and is making the rounds among government institutions and, thanks to the Internet, among Vietnamese activists.

I want to thank the Freedom to Publish Committee, led by Bjørn Smith-Simonsen, for all their important work.  It is imperative that the freedom to publish not be taken for granted, and I am very proud of IPA’s dedication to defending this principle.

To end on a happy note, at the Paris Salon du Livre, the Tunisian Publishers Association’s stand was decorated with a large banner that explicitly thanked IPA for its support in fighting for freedom of expression in the years leading up to the Tunisian revolution that sparked the changes we see in the Arab world today.

The Frankfurt Book Fair

The Frankfurt Book Fair was a busy and eventful time for IPA once again.  All of our committees – Literacy and Book Policy, Copyright, Freedom to Publish, and Executive Committee – held meetings.  In addition, IPA members met in the Copyright Steering Group and a Piracy Litigation Subgroup. 

Finally, the General Assembly meeting was held on the morning of Thursday, October 13th.  The General Assembly approved the audited accounts for 2010 and a membership fee increase of 0.7% for 2012.  Delegates also heard updates from all of our committees, a presentation from consultant Rüdiger Wischenbart on global publishing statistics, and an update on the 29thIPA Congress, to be held in Cape Town. 

We welcomed three publishers associations as new Affiliate Members: the Armenian National Publishers Association, the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Serbia, and the publishers’ section of the Chamber of Commerce of Slovenia.  In addition, the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Ukraine, an Affiliate Member since 2008, was unanimously voted in as a Regular Member with full membership rights.  Congratulations to all!

We also held elections for the Executive Committee.  I would like to congratulate and extend a warm welcome to Alessandro Bompieri and Trasvin Jittidecharak, the newest members of the Executive Committee.  We look forward to getting to know them both better, and to the new energy and expertise that they will bring to our organization.  Congratulations also go to Ana Maria Cabanellas, Ibrahim El Moallem, and Asoke Ghosh who were re-elected as EC Directors.  Finally, I must thank Sok-Ghee Baek for agreeing to serve as a Special Advisor to the President.  His dedication, counsel and service have been invaluable, and I am grateful that we will continue to have him on board. 

On a sad note, we are sorry to see Stefano Mauri depart from the EC.  We will miss his formal presence at IPA, but he has already promised us that he will continue to work to defend IPA’s principles as a faithful alumnus of the Executive Committee of IPA. 

It was wonderful to see everyone at Frankfurt.  I think all would agree that it was an action-packed and productive week.

Executive Committee January Meeting Report

The Executive Committee recently met in Geneva on January 23rd, 2012.  The membership fee ad hoc committee presented its formula for new membership fees, and the Committee discussed the results of SCCR 23 and heard updates on the upcoming IPA Congress in Cape Town.  In addition, we revisited the membership application of the Emirati Publishers Association and discussed the future of the Freedom to Publish Prize. 

The Executive Committee also chose the host of the 30th IPA Congress in 2014.  We received exciting proposals from Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (PUBAT) and the Hellenic Federation of Publishers and Booksellers.  In the end, however, Bangkok was awarded the Congress.  We congratulate PUBAT on their stellar application and look forward to working with them over the next two years!

2012 IPA Congress in Cape Town

I hope that by now you have all registered for the 29th IPA Congress in Cape Town, South Africa to take advantage of the Super Early Bird Discount.  If not, do not worry – the Early Bird Discount is available until April 30th, 2012.  You can register on the Congress’s website at http://www.ipa2012.co.za. 

The Congress’s theme is “Publishing for a New Era” and sessions will cover topics from publishing and public policy to e-books and digital migration issues to new media strategies and international trade issues. These are all issues that publishers around the world are dealing with, and I am sure delegates will have much to contribute, discuss and learn.  Furthermore, as the first IPA congress to be held in Africa, one could say that this congress is the beginning of a “new era” for IPA congresses.  I hope to see you all there!

As always, I must recognize our truly dedicated Geneva-based staff of Jens Bammel, Antje Sörensen, Alexis Krikorian and Joanna Bazan Babczonek.  They are the backbone of our organisation, with their unwavering dedication and interminable enthusiasm.  I cannot thank them enough for all they do.

On a final note, I encourage you all to become more involved with IPA to allow us to better serve your needs.  Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, comments, or suggestions you may have. With best wishes for 2012, 

YoungSuk ‘Y.S.’ Chi

President

International Publishers Association

3, avenue de Miremont

CH - 1206 Geneva

Tel: +41 22 704 18 20

Fax: +41 22 704 18 21

www.internationalpublishers.org

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