The Globe's Download Decade series continues with a lengthy feature on the iPod, ISPs, and record stores. The package also includes a podcast interview with the RIAA's Cary Sherman, a podcast interview with Rogers Chief Strategy Officer Mike Lee which includes discussion on net neutrality, and a video featuring CRIA's […]
News
Ontario Court Says No Expectation Of Privacy in Data On Work Computer
All About Information reports that the Ontario Superior Court of Justice has ruled that a teacher had no expectation of privacy in information stored on his work laptop.
France’s Contradiction on Piracy
France found itself at the centre of two major intellectual property stories yesterday. First, the French National Assembly adopted the "three strikes" approach that could result in the termination of Internet service for French subscribers (approved today by the Senate). The approach has been highly contentious and sets up a possible showdown with emerging European laws that protect access to the Internet. Second, as I blogged yesterday, the Business Software Alliance released its annual global piracy study.
Where is the connection?
Auditor General Releases Report on Government IP
The Auditor General has released a report on managing intellectual property within the federal government. It focuses on the National Research Council, Health Canada, as well as Fisheries and Oceans Canada. The report examines both internally produced intellectual property and external (consultant) IP. It finds numerous shortcomings, though it does […]
Does The WIPO Copyright Treaty Work? The Business Software Association Piracy Data
The Business Software Alliance is out today with their annual report on global piracy in 2008. While the methodology raises serious questions – the BSA actually only surveys about 5,000 people in 24 countries and then extrapolates the data to 110 countries – the report shows declining numbers in many countries, though there is an overall increase due to very high rates in parts of the world. It also points to the growing importance of open source software, which the report says commands 15 percent of the market.
Piracy rates in Canada have been steadily declining in recent years – down to 32% in 2008 from 36% in 2004. Canada ranks among the 25 countries with the lowest piracy rates, ahead of many European countries including France, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Portugal (notwithstanding claims of CAAST). The 32% is lower than the European Union average, lower than any country in Africa, Latin America, Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East (tied with Israel), and lower than all but three Asian countries (Japan, Australia, and New Zealand). In fact, only five countries that have ratified the WIPO Internet treaties have software piracy rates lower than Canada. So much for Canada as a piracy haven and deserving of a place on the USTR Priority Watch List.
Beyond refuting many of the claims about Canadian piracy rates, the data is interesting since the BSA uses it to argue that implementing of the WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT) is part of a blueprint for reducing software piracy. It says it is one of five key elements:
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