Latest Posts

U.S. Copyright Lobby Complains About Canadian Copyright

The International Intellectual Property Alliance, a U.S.-based copyright lobby group representing the music, movie, and software lobbies, has released its annual list of demands for copyright reforms in dozens of countries around the world.  Once again, Canada is in good company.  The IIPA targets 51 countries including leading European countries (Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Greece, Hungary), Asian countries (Japan, South Korea), New Zealand, Israel, and a host of countries in South America and Africa.

On the Canadian front, the IIPA notes that Canada implemented anti-camcording legislation, but it wants more.  Much more.  Demands include WIPO implementation, clarification of privacy copying, tougher measures on ISPs, and more IP enforcement.  The group makes it clear that it wants Canada to move well beyond WIPO implementation by instead following the DMCA model, arguing that Canada "should jettison the approach taken by Bill C-60" which took advantage of the flexibility found in the WIPO treaties.   The IIPA report will no doubt play a key role in this year's USTR Special 301 report, which will again claim that Canada lags behind on copyright issues.

Read more ›

February 12, 2008 12 comments News

Canadian Library Association Launches Copyright Advocacy Kit

The Canadian Library Association has launched a new copyright advocacy kit.  The kit includes a good backgrounder on copyright reform, a sample letter for MPs, and some tips for those meeting directly with their elected representatives.

Read more ›

February 11, 2008 Comments are Disabled News

WIPO and Canada’s Obligations

Howard Knopf again focuses on the legal implications (or non-implications) of Canada having signed the WIPO Internet treaties.

Read more ›

February 11, 2008 Comments are Disabled News

Broadcasters Claim Copyright at the Breaking Point

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 […]

Read more ›

February 11, 2008 15 comments News

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 […]

Read more ›

February 11, 2008 1 comment News