Last week, I visited Australia to deliver several talks on copyright, open access, and Internet regulation. My talk on open access – which focuses on why adopting open access models can help counter restrictive contractual terms and copyright laws – has been posted online by the University of Melbourne's Information […]
Archive for February, 2008
Prentice’s Failure to Communicate
Industry Minister Jim Prentice paid a visit to the University of Calgary on Friday to give a lecture at the law school on policy making. In the question and answer period that followed, the majority of questions focused on copyright (Part One, Part Two) [update: The Distant Librarian has posted a video of the full talk and Q&A period]. Prentice's responses provide five important insights:
First, despite the enormous opposition to a Canadian DMCA, Prentice continues to rely on a communication strategy based on tired claims about the WIPO Internet treaties and how copyright is a "framework" law in Canada. A Canadian DMCA will face opposition from consumer groups, education groups, creator groups, and business groups. Prentice is going to have come up with a much better communication strategy to justify a one-sided copyright law.
Second, Prentice will respond to concerns about the lack of consultation by claiming that there has been extensive consultation, pointing to the 2001 public consultation and several Parliamentary committee reports. This claim does not withstand even mild scrutiny.
Prentice’s Failure to Communicate
Industry Minister Jim Prentice paid a visit to the University of Calgary on Friday to give a lecture at the law school on policy making. In the question and answer period that followed, the majority of questions focused on copyright (Part One, Part Two) [update: The Distant Librarian has posted a video of the full talk and Q&A period]. Prentice's responses provide five important insights:
First, despite the enormous opposition to a Canadian DMCA, Prentice continues to rely on a communication strategy based on tired claims about the WIPO Internet treaties and how copyright is a "framework" law in Canada. A Canadian DMCA will face opposition from consumer groups, education groups, creator groups, and business groups. Prentice is going to have come up with a much better communication strategy to justify a one-sided copyright law.
Second, Prentice will respond to concerns about the lack of consultation by claiming that there has been extensive consultation, pointing to the 2001 public consultation and several Parliamentary committee reports. This claim does not withstand even mild scrutiny.
Angus Issues Three-Step Approach for Effective Copyright Reform
NDP MP Charlie Angus has issued a "three-step approach" for effective copyright legislation. Angus rightly emphasizes the need for further consultation: 1. Live up to the government's commitment to bring the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) treaty to the House of Commons for a vote before introducing new legislation; 2. […]
Angus Issues Three-Step Approach for Effective Copyright Reform
NDP MP Charlie Angus has issued a "three-step approach" for effective copyright legislation. Angus rightly emphasizes the need for further consultation: 1. Live up to the government's commitment to bring the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) treaty to the House of Commons for a vote before introducing new legislation; 2. […]
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