Foreign publishers have not paid much attention to Iranian book fairs because Iran has not joined the International Copyright Convention. For instance, none of the managing directors of foreign publishers have ever participated in book fairs in Tehran. They only send their representatives.

The reality is that there are some foreign publishers who are ready to cooperate with Iranian publishers and even lower the amount of royalties as much as possible if we join the copyright convention.

Therefore, the least benefit of joining the International Copyright Convention would be upholding our country's dignity before other nations and removing labels like "cultural thieves." Then it would not be necessary to secretly sell translations of foreign writers' books at Iranian book fairs.

Some believe that publishers' unions should be given the right to negotiate with foreign publishers.

If Iran joins the World Trade Organization (WTO), we will have to observe international copyright law.

Considering the fact that only a small number of books are printed in Iran (most first editions only have a print run of 1,000 copies) and the low exchange rate of the rial, the economic situation of Iranian publishers should be closely studied before any decision is made on joining the convention.

In addition to the previously mentioned benefits, joining the convention would improve book marketing, end the chaos in the field of translation, and earn royalties for Iranian publishers from around the world.

Although from the economic point of view joining the convention would generally be negative, the negative consequences could be decreased by discussing the problems of the Iranian publishing industry with international publishers and at international book exhibitions. The best approach would be for Iranian publishers to establish a direct relationship with their foreign counterparts.

The government could ease this transitional stage through providing government subsidies to Iranian publishers.

Iran will eventually have to begin observing international copyright law. Joining the International Copyright Convention is surely not against the interests of the Iranian publishing industry and will greatly benefit Iran.

(Concluded)