According to a June 26, 2012 press release, a delegation from the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. State Department, and the U.S. Copyright Office were among approximately 140 signatories to a "landmark
multilateral treaty that advances global intellectual property (IP) rights
for the creative content of audiovisual performers." The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances (Beijing Treaty) "strengthens intellectual property protections for actors, musicians, and dancers globally, by requiring countries to ensure updated and consistent standards of protection for performers in audiovisual works." The treaty is heralded as "the first significant advancement in international norm-setting in the copyright area in more than fifteen years, and a landmark stride for labor and industry representatives working together in the fight against global piracy."
See the press release for more information.