Canada: Royal Assent for Bill C-11

On 29 June 2012, the Canadian Bill C-11 received Royal Assent and is, therefore, about to introduce fundamental changes into the Canadian Copyright Act. Aim of Bill C-11 is to update the rights and protections of copyright owners to better address the challenges and opportunities of the Internet, so as to be in line with international standards.

Further to bringing the Canadian Copyright Act in line with international standards for the rights and protections of copyright owners regarding the Internet, Bill C-11 introduces significant changes in the following areas:

• Internet service providers’ liability: clarify and make the enabling of online copyright infringement itself an infringement of copyright;
• use of copyright material in digital form: permit businesses, educators and libraries to make greater use;
• photographers: They gain the same rights as other creators;
• technological neutrality ensurance.

Canadian Bill C-11 with Royal Assent of 29 June 2012 amending the Copyright Act