The Canadian Association of Broadcasters, which represents television and radio broadcasters across the country, has jumped into the copyright reform debate. In an op-ed in this week's Hill Times, CAB President Glenn O'Farrell warns that radio broadcasters are at the breaking point on copyright, pointing to escalating tariffs that could […]
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Unlocking Access
Last week, I visited Australia to deliver several talks on copyright, open access, and Internet regulation. My talk on open access – which focuses on why adopting open access models can help counter restrictive contractual terms and copyright laws – has been posted online by the University of Melbourne's Information […]
Prentice’s Failure to Communicate
Industry Minister Jim Prentice paid a visit to the University of Calgary on Friday to give a lecture at the law school on policy making. In the question and answer period that followed, the majority of questions focused on copyright (Part One, Part Two) [update: The Distant Librarian has posted a video of the full talk and Q&A period]. Prentice's responses provide five important insights:
First, despite the enormous opposition to a Canadian DMCA, Prentice continues to rely on a communication strategy based on tired claims about the WIPO Internet treaties and how copyright is a "framework" law in Canada. A Canadian DMCA will face opposition from consumer groups, education groups, creator groups, and business groups. Prentice is going to have come up with a much better communication strategy to justify a one-sided copyright law.
Second, Prentice will respond to concerns about the lack of consultation by claiming that there has been extensive consultation, pointing to the 2001 public consultation and several Parliamentary committee reports. This claim does not withstand even mild scrutiny.
Angus Issues Three-Step Approach for Effective Copyright Reform
NDP MP Charlie Angus has issued a "three-step approach" for effective copyright legislation. Angus rightly emphasizes the need for further consultation: 1. Live up to the government's commitment to bring the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) treaty to the House of Commons for a vote before introducing new legislation; 2. […]
Movie Piracy Stats Dissected
Waxy.org has produced a detailed look at movie piracy, pointing the range of sources for unauthorized copies of major films. While camcord versions are part of the story, the leaks clearly come from many other sources including screener copies and DVD leaks.
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