Must Reads

• Transparency Compared: FTAA vs. ACTA

  Jamie Love has a great post comparing the level of transparency during the FTAA negotiations with the ACTA talks.  Several drafts of the FTAA agreement were released to the public, refuting claims that ACTA secrecy is standard practice. Dec.07/09Comments (1)

• Website Blocked From Repackaging MLS Data

  The Globe reports on an Ontario court decision blocking an attempt to create a new website by repackaging MLS data. Dec.07/09Comments (0)

• Knopf on AUCC and Access Copyright

  Howard Knopf reports on the upcoming negotiations between AUCC and Access Copyright. Dec.07/09Comments (0)

• CBC's Spark on Canadian Copyright Reform

  This week's CBC's Spark features a documentary by Julie Ireton on Canadian copyright reform (I was interviewed for the doc). Dec.07/09Comments (0)

• Vancouver Buskers Face SOCAN Royalty Demand

  The Vancouver Sun reports on new SOCAN demands that buskers in the Vancouver transit system pay performance royalties that could run up to $1500 per year. Dec.07/09Comments (6)

• Hennessey on Globalive and Cabinet Review

  Telus executive Michael Hennessey blogs on the many questions involving Globalive and a cabinet review. Dec.07/09Comments (0)

• USTR Ambassador Kirk On ACTA: People Would Walk if ACTA Public

  KEI's Jamie Love recently had the opportunity to ask USTR Ambassador Ron Kirk about the lack of transparency associated with ACTA.  Kirk responded implausibly that people might walk away from the negotiations if the text was made public. Dec.04/09Comments (3)

• New Zealand Politicians Speak Out on ACTA

  New Zealand MP Clare Curran has posted on ACTA, arguing that "in the interests of transparency and public interest, the New Zealand Government should reveal the text of recent secret discussions in South Korea on the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement." Meanwhile, UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne has called on the Government to release details of the recent international negotiations on ACTA.Dec.04/09Comments (2)

• Private Member's Bill on Copyright Coming?

  The Toronto Sun reports that anti-counterfeiting lawyer Lorne Lipkus believes that a Private Member's bill focusing on expanded copyright will be introduced shortly.  There is no word on which MP is working with copyright lobbyists, but the bill will apparently including tougher sentences and increased seizure powers at the border. Dec.03/09Comments (10)

• CARFAC Seeking Royalty For Images on National Gallery Website

  The National Post reports that CARFAC, which represents Canadian visual artists, has filed a complaint against the National Gallery of Canada.  CARFAC is seeking a new royalty for the use of members' works on the National Gallery website. Dec.03/09Comments (8)