Re: [Cdn-DMCA] Discussion of "A framework for copyright reform"

From: Wolfgang Sourdeau <wolfgang _-at-_ Contre.COM>
To: No DMCA in Canada <canada-dmca-opponents (at) flora.org>
Date: Mon, 6 Aug 2001 00:35:33 -0400
References: <Pine.LNX.4.10.10108051922241.17207-100000@calcutta.flora.ca>

On Sun, Aug 05, 2001 at 07:28:03PM -0400, Russell McOrmond wrote:
>   I believe we shouldn't just focus on the
> anti-circumvention-circumvention aspect of the reform process, and
> continue to discuss other aspects as well.

I suggest to require the Government to:
- reconsider the length of copyright validity on a per-case basis instead
  of keeping it in its current state which is grossly considered as 
  "one size fits all". This aspect of the copyright act is being considered
  throughout the different sectors where copyright applies, we should
  therefore push for better consideration of the public even by being
  radical. For example, by trying to abolish it for computer programs but
  in a formal and respectful form and with a good argumentation.
- cancel what they signed in the WIPO treaties about the anti-circumvention.
  Copyright laws are already there to protect copyright. By accepting the anti-
  circumvention provisions, they accept to give more privileges to a
  small part of the Canadian population by restricting the other major
  part. And as we probably all know, this kind of laws in only a pretext
  for companies to obtain other means of control over the public. This
  can be "demonstrated" by looking at every court cases involving the DMCA
  in the US: CSS is a mean to force DVD players manufacturers to pay
  royalties to the RIAA, ...

Moreover, we should be careful not to compare too much with the US. My guess
is that the reason why copyright exists in Canada is more related to the
UK philosophy than to the US philosophy. We should therefore base
our argumentation on what happened in the UK and on what changed from that
in Canada. An IP lawyer/law historian would definitely be useful for this.


W.
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