Articles by: Michael Geist

U.S. Move to Pick Digital Locks Leaves Canadians Locked Out

Appeared in the Toronto Star on August 2, 2010 as U.S. Move to Pick Digital Locks Leaves Canadians Locked Out Since its introduction two months ago, the government’s copyright reform package has generated widespread debate over whether it strikes the right balance. The digital lock provisions have been the most […]

August 2, 2010 — Comments are Disabled — Columns Archive

Federal Court Ruling Shows Copyright Fair Dealing Fears Greatly Exaggerated

Appeared in the Hill Times on August 2, 2010 as Federal Court Ruling Shows Copyright Fair Dealing Fears Greatly Exaggerated The introduction of long-awaited copyright reform legislation has generated considerable discussion among Canadians about whether the latest bill strikes the right balance. While concern over Bill C-32’s digital lock rules […]

August 2, 2010 — Comments are Disabled — Columns Archive

From Wellington to Lucerne: Tracking the Major ACTA Changes

While the parties have not formally disclosed it, the immediate ACTA schedule now appears to include discussions between the U.S. and the EU next month in Washington followed by a full round of talks (Round Ten) in Japan in September. Some have criticized the exclusion of the remaining ACTA countries in the August discussions, but as I posted earlier, the ACTA text has really come down to a U.S. vs. EU document with the remaining countries picking a side. The sticking point in Washington will undoubtedly be scope of the treaty, with the EU pushing for inclusion of geographical indications and the U.S. making it clear they are willing to cave on almost anything that does not involve changes to domestic law. Geographical indications would require change, however, which is what led to my post speculating about the possibility of an ACTA without Europe.

Last week I posted a scorecard on the major areas of disagreement. This final chart highlights the key changes from the April meeting in New Zealand to the June meeting in Lucerne, with many changes the result of a shift in U.S. position.

July 30, 2010 — Comments are Disabled — News

Digital TV Transition Could Lead to New Digital Divide

In just over one year, Canada is scheduled to complete the digital television transition, as stations switch from analog to digital broadcasts. While cable and satellite subscribers will not notice the change, over one million Canadians that rely on over-the-air signals will be affected. Despite the experience in other countries that left many consumers without digital converter boxes staring at blank screens, my weekly technology law column (Toronto Star version, homepage version) argues the Canadian government seems content to leave the switch to the private sector, implausibly claiming “industry-led solutions will ensure a smooth transition for consumers.”

July 29, 2010 — 17 comments — Columns

Civil Society Groups Warn on ACTA and Access To Medicines

Civil society groups have written to the European Commission warning about the impact of ACTA on access to medicines. The letter cites numerous concerns based on the July leaked text. The next meeting will be a private meeting in August between the EU and the US as they attempt to […]

July 29, 2010 — Comments are Disabled — News