Archive for February 19th, 2010

World’s Leading Tech and Internet Companies: Don’t Blame Canada on Copyright

The Computer & Communications Industry Association, which includes a who's who of the tech world including Microsoft, Google, T-Mobile, Fujitsu, AMD, eBay, Intuit, Oracle, and Yahoo, have issued a strong defense of current Canadian copyright law, arguing that the U.S. is wrong to place Canada on the annual Special 301 list.  The CCIA notes that including Canada undermines the credibility of the process, stating "Canada’s current copyright law and practice clearly satisfy the statutory 'adequate and effective' standard. Indeed, in a number respects, Canada's laws are more protective of creators than those of the United States."

The defense, which was submitted to the U.S. government, is precisely the kind of defense that Canadian officials should be making when confronted with fear-mongering from the usual suspects about the state of Canadian copyright law.  That it is the world's leading technology companies speaking out should send a strong signal to Industry Minister Tony Clement and Canadian Heritage Minister James Moore about how Canadian law is actually viewed by leading companies as they craft copyright reforms and develop a national digital strategy.

The CCIA raises several issues in countering the claims that Canada belongs on the list. 

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February 19, 2010 21 comments News

Canadian Software Piracy Rate Drops 2% To Record Low

The IIPA has published its usual criticism of Canada, but buried within the submission is a preliminary report that Canada's business software piracy rate has declined yet again.  The report indicates there is a 2% to decline, to 30%, a record low.

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February 19, 2010 8 comments News

EFF & Public Knowledge Warn Against Using ACTA in USTR Special 301

The EFF and Public Knowledge have submitted a joint response to the USTR consultation on the Special 301 process.  The organizations warn against sanctioning countries for not implementing ACTA.

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February 19, 2010 Comments are Disabled News

Doctorow on ACTA

Cory Doctorow has published a terrific piece on ACTA that provides a good backgrounder and information on what people can do.

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February 19, 2010 Comments are Disabled News

CRTC Launches Consultation on New Media Reporting Requirements

The CRTC has launched a new consultation on the reporting requirements for new media broadcast undertakings.

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February 19, 2010 1 comment News