KEI's Jamie Love recently had the opportunity to ask USTR Ambassador Ron Kirk about the lack of transparency associated with ACTA. Kirk responded implausibly that people might walk away from the negotiations if the text was made public.
News
New Zealand Politicians Speak Out on ACTA
New Zealand MP Clare Curran has posted on ACTA, arguing that "in the interests of transparency and public interest, the New Zealand Government should reveal the text of recent secret discussions in South Korea on the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement." Meanwhile, UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne has called on the Government to […]
Private Member’s Bill on Copyright Coming?
The Toronto Sun reports that anti-counterfeiting lawyer Lorne Lipkus believes that a Private Member's bill focusing on expanded copyright will be introduced shortly. There is no word on which MP is working with copyright lobbyists, but the bill will apparently including tougher sentences and increased seizure powers at the border.
CARFAC Seeking Royalty For Images on National Gallery Website
The National Post reports that CARFAC, which represents Canadian visual artists, has filed a complaint against the National Gallery of Canada. CARFAC is seeking a new royalty for the use of members' works on the National Gallery website.
Access to Medicines Bill Clears Second Reading
C-393, a Private Member's bill designed to improve the current access to medicines legislation, has passed second reading in the House of Commons. I wrote about the problems with the current system earlier this year.