Copyright 101: Ten things you need to know about Canada’s copyright law

The Conservative government has resurrected its copyright reform law, which died when the 2011 election was called before it was passed.

The bill is the fourth attempt that federal government has had to update Canada’s copyright laws, and legalizes many of the everyday activities Canadians already do. 

Here’s a list of what consumers need to know about the copyright law:

• The bill legalizes using PVR or other devices to record TV programs for later viewing.
• Consumers could legally copy music from CDs, MP3 players, etc. for private use, provided they don’t break a digital lock.
• Canadians would no longer be liable for copying their digital content for back-up purposes.
• Canadians could use copyrighted works for the purposes of satire or parody like Jon Stewart’s The Daily Show south of the border.
• Canadians can post copyright materials on sites like YouTube if they are a part of user-generated materials.
• Schools, teachers and libraries would have the legal protections needed to use online materials or post e-versions of books.
• None of the above rights can be exercised if the content is protected by digital locks. These locks are found on content like software, video games, music and movies as a means to limit sharing. Canadians will not be allowed to break these locks.
• Canadians who are caught breaking the law for non-commercial purposes will face a lower penalty. Under current law, copyright owners can sue for damages ranging from $500 to $20,000 for each work that is infringed regardless of whether the copyright was broken for commercial or personal activities. Under the proposed law an individual could only be liable for a one-time payment between $100 and $5,000 if they break the law for personal reasons.
• Copyright owners will receive stronger rights and would be allowed to decide when to put digital locks on content. They also receive more control about how to make their works available online and stronger legal tools to go after pirate sites.
• Performers and photographers will have stronger rights to their works. Performers will have moral rights to ensure their performance isn’t altered in a way that harms the artist’s reputation. Photographers will be the first owner of the copyright in their photograph, a right already enjoyed by other artists.