Cooperation in the Pacific Rim by Jakob Polacsek, World Economic Forum (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) https://www.flickr.com/photos/worldeconomicforum/48179628441

Digital Trade

CETA Hits a Snag Over Patent Provisions

The negotiations between Canada and the European Union appear to have hit a snag over patent law changes demanded by large pharmaceutical companies that could add billions of dollars to Canadian health care costs. While the government previously indicated that a deal would be concluded within months, Minister Ed Fast […]

February 29, 2012 — Comments are Disabled — News

European Commission Refers ACTA to the European Court of Justice

The European Commission, which has been a staunch supporter of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement, today announced that it is referring ACTA to the European Court of Justice to determine whether ACTA is incompatible – in any way – with the EU’s fundamental rights and freedoms. While the move may mean […]

February 22, 2012 — 2 comments — News

ACTA in Context: Copyright Enforcement on a Global Scale

Ars Technica features an article drawn from an interview I conducted with Tim Lee about how ACTA is part of a global effort to increase copyright enforcement on an international scale.

February 21, 2012 — Comments are Disabled — News

Report Says Canada – EU Trade Deal Could Cost Ontario $1.2 Billion Per Year From Higher Pharma Costs

The Drummond Report is attracting significant attention with its somewhat dire outlook for the Ontario economy. The report includes a notable warning about the costs of the proposed Canada – EU Trade Agreement, particularly the increased costs arising from patent reforms being promoted by large pharmaceutical companies: The outcome of […]

February 16, 2012 — 4 comments — News

Deadline Day To Speak Out on TPP’s Copyright Term Extension

While many will be focused on the return of lawful access, today is also the deadline for submissions to the government’s public consultation on Canadian entry into the Trans Pacific Partnership negotiations. As I noted in earlier posts (here, here, here, and here), the TPP would have enormous implications for Canadian copyright law – the Globe’s John Ibbitson described as surrendering Canadian copyright sovereignty – as it would require stricter digital lock rules, extend the term of copyright, and mandate new Internet provider liability provisions.

I’ve posted my submission, which includes comments on the lack of transparency with the TPP negotiations, digital locks, Internet provider liability, and copyright term, below. Another submission focused on the public domain comes from Dr. Mark Akrigg, Founder, Project Gutenberg Canada.

February 14, 2012 — 3 comments — News