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CRTC Denies CAIP Request for Interim Relief from Bell’s Throttling

The CRTC this morning denied CAIP's request for interim relief blocking Bell's throttling practices.  The Commission ruled that CAIP did not meet the standard for interim relief.  It acknowledged that there is a serious issue to be determined, but it was not convinced that there will be irreparable harm if […]

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May 14, 2008 6 comments News

The CAB on Using Your VCR or PVR

The Canadian Association of Broadcasters, in a submission to the CRTC, states: in Canada, consumers who record TV shows for later viewing, whether on a VCR, in-home PVR or, potentially, through an NPVR, are infringing copyright. For this reason, Canadian BDUs are actively seeking an amendment to the Copyright Act […]

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May 13, 2008 6 comments News

Conservatives Could Face Long, Hot Copyright Summer

The Hill Times runs a special op-ed (Hill Times version (sub req), homepage version) I wrote that outlines an alternative policy path for the Conservatives on copyright.  If the Ottawa rumour mill is correct, Industry Minister Jim Prentice will introduce copyright reform legislation in the next few weeks.  The decision to forge ahead with the controversial reform package is a curious one.  While the pressure from the United States to act continues to escalate – representatives from the U.S. Embassy paid a visit to the Parliamentary intellectual property caucus last week and caucus members plan to travel to Washington later this month – there are alternatives that would address some of the top intellectual property concerns without subjecting Conservative MPs to a steady stream of criticism throughout the summer from concerned consumers, educators, and businesses.

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May 13, 2008 4 comments Columns

Fair Dealing and Media Use of Flickr Photos

The Torontoist covers a recent decision by the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council on CityNews' use of photos from Flickr in a news report without attribution.  City argued that the use was covered by the news reporting provisions in fair dealing.  The CBSC disagreed, noting that the statute requires attribution.

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May 13, 2008 Comments are Disabled News

Knopf on Getty Images

Howard Knopf on Getty Images copyright threats to Canadians over the use of unlicensed images on websites.

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May 13, 2008 Comments are Disabled News