WIPO’s Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR/48) met in Geneva from 18 - 22 May 2026. Teresa Hackett, EIFL Copyright and Libraries Programme Manager, joined members of the Access to Knowledge (A2K) Coalition at SCCR/48 and reports on an important breakthrough on limitations and exceptions.

For the next SCCR in December 2026, the Chair will prepare a text (in legal language) focused on three topics identified as priority areas: limitations and exceptions for preservation by cultural heritage institutions, people with other disabilities (meaning disabilities other than print disabilities covered by the Marrakesh Treaty), and education. The Chair’s text will draw on previous proposals by member states, including the African Group (SCCR/47/5), and the U.S. (SCCR/47/9 and 47/10), as well as the Chair and Vice-Chair (SCCR/47/8).

The breakthrough at this session came when all regional groups agreed to proceed with text-based discussions, while remaining open to the nature of any legal instrument that might eventually be achieved (such as a treaty, model law, or joint recommendation).

Read Teresa Hackett’s blog about WIPO SCCR/48.