Canadian CopyrightReform in Context

michael geistcanada research chair in internet and e-commerce law

university of ottawa, faculty of law

ContextContent

ContextSix Points

i.The Importance of

Copyright

No[innovation/investment/creativity/new business

models]without copyright reform

Innovation/Investment

Venture CapitalTax

Government Funding (C-10)Talent

Communications Networks

Creativity

Business Models

music

music

music

music

music

music

music

ii.Consultations and

Reforms

Lengthy consultation,Limited action

Limited consultation,Considerable action

Last consultation:2001

10% of Canadians werenot even born

1987 - Phase One - first round of reform with newrights (moral rights, secondary infringement)

1992 - Treaty Reform - rental rights

1997 - Phase Two - private copying, statutorydamages

2002 - Internet retransmission

2007 - Anti-camcording legislation

iii.Canada in the World

“antiquated, outdated,weak, ineffective…”

USTR special 301

“In regard to the watch list, Canada doesnot recognize the 301 watch list process.

It basically lacks reliable and objectiveanalysis. It's driven entirely by U.S.

industry. We have repeatedly raised thisissue of the lack of objective analysis inthe 301 watch list process with our U.S.

counterparts.”

- Department of Foreign Affairs, 2007

4.4 billion people

13 of the top 20countries by GDP

World Economic Forum -2008 IP Rankings

1. Germany2. UK3. France4. Canada5. Japan6. United States7. Italy8. Russia

Global IP Index 20081. US2. UK3. Germany4. Canada5. France6. Japan7. Italy8. Russia

compliant with its treatyobligations

Many areas whereCanadian law is stronger

than the U.S.

Broadcast royaltiesPerformance royaltiesNeighbouring RightsFilm Exhibition Fees

Private CopyingEducation Fees

Moral RightsCreator Employment RightsFewer Compulsory LicensesMore Copyright CollectivesCopyright Board of Canada

No ParodyNo Time ShiftingCrown Copyright

iv.Copyright in the World

“dmca or bust”

“our Clinton administrationpolicies didn't work out very

well”- Bruce Lehman, 2007

great flexibility

Reject WIPO Internet TreatiesReject Anti-Circumvention

Flexibly ImplementBalance Reforms

v.Copyright vs.Counterfeiting

Proceeds of CrimeTrademark Provisions

Border powersMislabeling products

vi.Copyright Voices

“Excessive control by holders of copyrightsand other forms of intellectual property may

unduly limit the ability of the public domain toincorporate and embellish creative

innovation in the long-term interests ofsociety as a whole, or create practical

obstacles to proper utilization.”

- Theberge, 2002

ContentNine Points

do no harm to user rights

link anti-circumvention tocopyright infringement

no ban on devices

flexible fair dealing

notice and notice

modernize backupprovision

rationalize statutorydamages

making available =distribution

crown copyright

canadaʼs choice

choose wisely