SOCAN PLEASED WITH PROPOSED COPYRIGHT AMENDMENTS

Broadcaster Magazine

SOCAN is pleased with the federal government's tabling of Bill C-60, which will update Canada's copyright law. These proposed amendments to the Copyright Act reflect advancements in technology, particularly as they relate to the use of music on the Internet.

"Bill C-60 speaks volumes to our members," says André LeBel, CEO of SOCAN. "It's a great first step, and we are pleased the federal government has acknowledged the challenges we face in continuing to protect the rights of composers, lyricists, songwriters, and their publishers."

SOCAN is encouraged that the latest developments further clarify the rights of its members, and will be reviewing the proposed legislation in detail, but upon a cursory review, is pleased that the law will:

• Clarify the existing communication right to include a "making available" right for the owners of copyright-protected works;
• Create remedies, in certain cases, for copyright owners against those who circumvent, remove or in any way render ineffective technological measures that protect copyright;
• Create remedies, in certain cases, for copyright owners against those who alter or remove rights management information (RMI) that is part of copyright.

The proposal also deals with the issue of Internet Service Provider (ISP) liability. SOCAN is studying these provisions to consider their impact as it relates to the use of music on the Internet. SOCAN is hopeful these proposals, along with future work, will permit the implementation of the 1996 World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) treaties.

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