Canadian Ct. Rules On Freelancer Copyrights

Paul Starrson writes "A Canadian court has issued an important new decision on the rights of freelancers to be compensated for their work when it appears in a newspapers' database. This case, Robertson v. Thompson Corp., sounds much like the U.S. Tasini case that the U.S. Supreme Court decided several years ago. In this commentary on the case, it appears that the court provided a strong affirmation of the need for balance in Canadian copyright law but foreshadows a future battle over database rights in Canada."

Comments

Google Print

[delta_avi_delta]

As I understand this, it is necessary in the US (and now Canada) to secure the right to hold an authors' work in a database. Where does this leave ventures like Google Print? Is it necessary for Google to secure rights to the work they store, if they are not in the public domain?

Re:Google Print

[Zarniwoop_Editor]

I would think that would be a problem only if they want to then re-publish the work for their own enrichment in a new forum not previously approved by the copyright holder. The news papers, by getting the freelance authors to let them include it in their database are really just taking ownership of the authors material to do with as they please because it is now 'IN' their database. To me the issue has always been one of what it is used for, not where it is stored. Just my 2 cents worth.

Re:Google Print

[jordandeamattson]

Hi Delta -

That is exactly what it means.

You will notice that Google Print (and A9) have worked to secure the rights to put copyrighted materials in their databases.

Yours,

Jordan

Wow

[Anonymous Coward]

This has got to be the least replied to story ever.

Maybe not front page

[Thinkit4]

Or maybe IP fatigue.