Archive for March 10th, 2011

EU: Time For a New Approach on Copyright

European Commissioner Neelie Kroes has called for a change in approach on copyright and orphan works to foster bringing more cultural content online.  In a speech today, she stated “we must move away from the current playing field for specialists in copyright law. It is high time to understand that, […]

Read more ›

March 10, 2011 10 comments News

Do We Still Need Foreign Ownership Restrictions in Canadian Broadcasting?

In recent weeks, a political consensus has begun to emerge on the benefits of removing restrictions on foreign ownership in the telecommunications sector. My weekly technology law column (Toronto Star version, homepage version) notes that implementing such reforms faces at least one major political stumbling block that is only tangentially related – the spillover effect onto the broadcasting sector.

As Canadian telecom operators, broadcasters, and broadcast distributors become single entities – Rogers combined with City-TV, Quebecor’s ownership of Videotron, Sun Media, and Groupe TVA, Shaw having purchased Canwest Global, as well as Bell in the process of merging with CTVglobemedia – the biggest hurdle may well be fears about the cultural impact of opening up telecom companies to foreign buyers.

While the link between broadcasting and Canadian culture is obvious, the connection between Canadian broadcasting ownership and Canadian culture is tenuous at best.

Read more ›

March 10, 2011 59 comments Columns

Do We Still Need Foreign Ownership Restrictions in Canadian Broadcasting?

Appeared in the Toronto Star on March 6, 2011 as Content Rules, Not Canadian Ownership, Protect Our Culture In recent weeks, a political consensus has begun to emerge on the benefits of removing restrictions on foreign ownership in the telecommunications sector. Implementing such reforms faces at least one major political […]

Read more ›

March 10, 2011 Comments are Disabled Columns Archive

Burberry, Louis Vuitton Seek Millions in Damages For Counterfeiting Using Current Canadian Law

Burberry and Louis Vuitton have filed lawsuits against three Canadian companies seeking millions in damages for selling counterfeit handbags and other products. The lawsuit relies on current trademark and copyright law.

Read more ›

March 10, 2011 6 comments News

NorthwesTel Demands Facebook Remove Criticism Logo

NorthwesTel has issued a takedown notice to Facebook over a logo used by an FB group criticizing the Canadian telecom company. The logo in question can be found here.

Read more ›

March 10, 2011 2 comments News