As previously reported, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (Office), after investigating the privacy practices of Facebook, concluded that it was in breach of Canadian privacy law (see E-TIPS®, “Facebook Breaches Canadian Privacy Law, Says Federal Privacy Commissioner”, Vol 8, No 3, July 29, 2009). | MORE

In response to a story in The Globe and Mail, the Office of the Federal Privacy Commissioner has confirmed that it is reviewing the practices of mortgage brokers across Canada relating to their dealing with the personal information of prospective and actual mortgagors. | MORE

Following a Federal Court trial, ratiopharm inc (ratiopharm) has won a declaration that a patent held by Pfizer Limited on the active ingredient of the cardiovascular medication Norvasc is invalid. | MORE

The Neighbouring Rights Collective of Canada (NRCC), a group representing performing artists and record companies, has submitted a proposal to the Copyright Board of Canada to collect a royalty (Tariff 6) from fitness venues that play music in their establishments in connection with their fitness classes and activities. | MORE

BC Information and Privacy Commissioner, David Loukidelis (Commissioner), has released his decision on BarWatch and whether the use of this software program violated customers’ privacy protected under BC’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). BarWatch uses an electronic reader to scan a driver’s licence or other identification card and takes photographs of patrons entering bars and clubs, allowing owners to identify troublemakers and block entry to the licensed establishments. | MORE

For frequent travelers across the Canada/US frontier who follow the many aspects of border control, it appears that the Obama administration, while increasing oversight of the US-imposed rules over searches of laptop computers, cell phones and other devices, has essentially confirmed the main aspects of the Bush administration policies. | MORE