Long-Awaited Copyright Amendment Legislation (Bill C-60) Introduced in Canadian Parliament

On June 20th, the federal Government introduced a bill to amend the Copyright Act. According to the Government press release, Bill C-60 "fulfills the Government's commitment to address short-term copyright reform issues and to update the Copyright Act to meet the challenges and opportunities of the Internet." The Bill addresses the following:

• World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Treaties Issues
• Internet Service Provider (ISP) Liability
• Educational and Research Access Issues
• Photography Issues
• Educational Use of Internet Material
• Private Copying and Other Medium-Term Issues

A highlight of the Bill is that it explicitly extends to cyberspace the existing "making available" right. This amendment would make users liable for the uploading of songs into shared online directories. In addition, ISPs would be required, under a "notice and notice" system, to warn their subscribers of alleged copyright infringements. An in-depth review of the Bill C-60 amendments and their potential repercussions will appear in the next issue of e-tips®. For related news stories, see: http://makeashorterlink.com/?F23635D4B; and http://makeashorterlink.com/?K45662D4B For the text of the Canadian Government's announcement, visit: http://www.strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/incrp-prda.nsf/en/rp01145e.html Summary by: Clare McCurley