While work on copyright and related rights had been part of WIPO's activities for years, the Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights was formally established in 1998 at the organization's thirty-second series of meetings. The intention was that "WIPO activities aimed at developing the international system for protecting copyright and related rights will be better harmonized, more thoroughly prepared and more transparent."

The mandate of the Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights has included protection of audiovisual performances; protection of databases; protection of the rights of broadcasting organizations; and copyright, related rights and digital technology.