Understanding the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (URAA) and Its Legal Implications

Definition & Meaning

The Uruguay Round Agreements Act (URAA) is a law enacted by the United States Congress in 1994. It was designed to implement the outcomes of the Uruguay Round of negotiations under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). A significant aspect of the URAA is its impact on copyright law, as it restored copyright protection to many works that had previously entered the public domain. This act also introduced a new provision prohibiting the unauthorized recording of live performances, addressing issues related to bootleg sound and video recordings.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

For instance, if a foreign film that was previously in the public domain is restored to copyright under the URAA, the original creators can now enforce their rights against unauthorized reproductions. Another example is a concert where a performer can take legal action against individuals who illegally record and distribute their live performance without permission.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you believe your work has been restored to copyright under the URAA or if you are facing issues related to unauthorized recordings, consider taking the following steps:

  • Consult with a legal professional to understand your rights and options.
  • Explore US Legal Forms for templates related to copyright registration and enforcement.
  • Gather evidence of your work and any unauthorized use to support your case.

Quick facts

Attribute Details
Year Enacted 1994
Key Focus Copyright restoration and bootleg prohibition
Applicable Law U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17)

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

The URAA primarily affects foreign works that had previously entered the public domain in the U.S. and now have restored copyright protection.