Archive for February 6th, 2012

Crafting Copyright Policy to Create a Competitive Advantage

Last month, the Hill Times ran a special section on copyright and new media.  I contributed an op-ed (Hill Times version, homepage version) that linked copyright reform with the government’s emphasis on the Canadian economy. The column noted that one metric for assessing the effectiveness of copyright reform is to consider whether the bill uses the flexibility at international law to establish a competitive advantage when compared to our trading partners. The answer with Bill C-11 – even without the SOPA-style amendments sought by copyright lobby groups – is a mixed bag.

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February 6, 2012 5 comments Columns

“Surrender Sovereignty Over Copyright Law”

John Ibbitson discusses the implications for Canada of joining the Trans Pacific Partnership, noting it would likely include surrendering Canadian sovereignty over copyright law. A reminder that the government is currently consulting on the TPP. Details on the agreement and participating here, here, and here.

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February 6, 2012 Comments are Disabled News

No Internet Lock-Down

Open Media has launched a new campaign against copyright reforms that threaten digital rights including the prospect of website blocking, Internet termination, and digital locks.

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February 6, 2012 Comments are Disabled News

ACTA Protests Escalate Throughout Europe

AccessNow is maintaining an excellent map of the protests planned across the continent on February 11th, which has been designated an international day of action against ACTA. The issue has attracted mainstream media attention (eg. New York Times) and questions emerge about the likelihood the treaty will receive the necessary […]

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February 6, 2012 Comments are Disabled News

Ubisoft Games Won’t Work This Week

Entertainment software giant Ubisoft, who the Ontario government gave $263 million in 2009 to create 80 jobs per year over 10 years (or $328,750 per job), has advised its customers that its games may not work sometime this week due to its reliance on digital locks and the migration of […]

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February 6, 2012 4 comments News