author archive



Fair Use in the U.S. Copyright Act – Analysis and Interpretation

by Lesley Ellen Harris

January 29th, 2012

Fair use (s. 107) is an intentionally drafted ambiguous provision in the U.S. Copyright Act for the purpose of defending users of copyright works from a variety of otherwise infringing… [more]

Library Use Value Calculator

by Lesley Ellen Harris

December 15th, 2011

The public library is a wonderful spot for information, entertainment, socializing, technology, education and more. Have you ever wondered about the actual value of your library to you? Perhaps impossible… [more]

Copyright Infringement Claims in Small Claims Court

by Lesley Ellen Harris

December 12th, 2011

Can a copyright owner enforce his rights in small claims court? The answer varies depending on which side of the 49th parallel you are on. In Canada, yes! In the… [more]

Authors and Online Marketing

by Lesley Ellen Harris

December 8th, 2011

For authors on SLAW, you know that in today's world, obtaining a publishing agreement with a traditional publisher means that you have to show your publisher how YOU will market… [more]

Are You Breaking the Law When Using Social Media?

by Lesley Ellen Harris

November 15th, 2011

This morning I came across a U.K.-based online quiz setting out various scenarios. Titled "Are you an accidental outlaw", there are 9 questions relating to: twitter, facebook, uploading, music, blogging,… [more]

Canadian Copyright Office; an Interview With CIPO Chief

by Lesley Ellen Harris

October 28th, 2011

The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) is a Special Operating Agency of Industry Canada. Industry Canada is responsible for the administration of intellectual property in Canada. The Copyright Office is… [more]

U.S. Copyright Office and Canadians

by Lesley Ellen Harris

October 26th, 2011

Yesterday U.S. Register of Copyrights, Maria A. Pallante, released a Document setting out 17 priorities of the U.S. Copyright Office over the next two years on copyright policy and administrative… [more]

Canadian Copyright Amendment Discussions in H of C

by Lesley Ellen Harris

October 19th, 2011

Bill C-11, An Act to Amend the Copyright Act, received second reading in the House of Commons on 18 October 2011. Discussions focussed on balance, openness to listening to interest… [more]

Canadian Copyright Reform Bill Introduced

by Lesley Ellen Harris

October 1st, 2011

As an update to my posting of 19 September 2011, the Canadian government introduced on 29 September 2011, Bill C-11, An Act to Amend the Copyright Act. This bill is… [more]

A Writers' Bill of Rights for the Digital Age

by Lesley Ellen Harris

September 23rd, 2011

Writers and publishers are continuously facing a changing landscape.  The Writers' Union of Canada has developed 12 core demands for the digital age. Interesting list for authors in negotiations with… [more]

Canadian Copyright Law Update

by Lesley Ellen Harris

September 19th, 2011

Those watching Canadian copyright law developments are encountering a busier than usual season.

Heritage Minister James Moore hopes to re-introduce Bill C-32 on copyright reform this fall, without amendments, and… [more]

AALL 2011 in Philadelphia: Anatomy of a License Agreement

by Lesley Ellen Harris

July 27th, 2011

On 25 July 2011, AALL hosted a panel discussion attracting at least 250 attendees. Coordinated by Michael G. Bernier, Director of Library Relations, BNA and moderated by Christine L. Graesser, Head… [more]

SlawTips      

SlawTips Open Access Journals
Wednesday, February 8

There is good leagal content that doesn’t necessarily come in the neat packages that we usually look in.  Though our commercial legal database subscriptions have linked, vetted, edited, and easily. […] »»

Research

SlawTips Use join.me to Get on the Same Page Across the Web
Wednesday, February 8

When you need to collaborate on a document displayed on your screen, it’s great to have a colleague from down the hall come into your office and look over your … »»

Technology

SlawTips Top 10 Financial Errors: #8 Always Assume More Risk Than Needed
Friday, February 3

You should assess whether you can accept the financial risks associated with taking the matter, just as clients will assess whether they can (and will) pay your fee. Spend time at the beginning of the. […] »»

Practice

noted on Slaw    

MLB Selected Case Summaries    

These summaries of selected recent cases are provided each week to Slaw by Maritime Law Book.
More information.

  • Banks and Banking - Liability of banks to third parties - Negligence - General

    The plaintiffs were the former shareholders of a company that failed. They sued the defendant bank alleging that it breached its contract with the company and the plaintiffs and breached a duty ...

  • Actions - Cause of action - General principles - New or extended cause of action - Opening of floodgates

    The plaintiff and defendant worked at different branches of the same bank. The defendant’s common-law husband was the plaintiff’s ex-husband. Over a four year period, the defendant ...

  • Aliens - Definitions and general principles - Immigration consultants

    The Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) had been designated as the sole regulatory body of immigration consultants in Canada from 2004 until June 2011. On June 30, 2011, Bill C-35 came into force, which significantly amended ...

  • Criminal Law - Sexual offences, public morals and disorderly conduct - Public morals - Obscenity - Possession of child pornography

    The accused was convicted of making child pornography available and two counts of possession of child pornography (see [2010] Sask.R. Uned. 197). Subsequently, he was sentenced ...

  • Criminal Law - Procedure - Charge or directions - Jury or judge alone - Directions regarding pleas or evidence of witnesses, co-accused and accomplices

    Rowe was convicted by a jury of five offences. He appealed.

    The Ontario Court of Appeal allowed ...

  • Narcotic Control - Offences - Possession - General

    The accused wished to access marijuana for medicinal purposes but did not have an authorization to possess marijuana issued under the Marihuana Medical Access Regulations. He was notified that a package of marihuana addressed to him had been ...

  • Narcotic Control - General - Legislation - Exemptions - Medicinal marijuana

    McCrady, who had an application pending under the Marihuana Medical Access Regulations (MMAR) to possess and grow marijuana, was convicted of possession of marijuana (Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), s. 4(1)). Hearn pleaded guilty ...

  • Criminal Law - Sentence - Trafficking in hashish or marijuana (incl. possession for purposes of trafficking)

    The accused pleaded guilty to one count of possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking. He was sentenced to 30 days’ imprisonment to be served intermittently and 11 months’ ...

  • Municipal Law - Powers of municipalities - Particular powers - Imposition and collection of taxes or fees 

    Catalyst Paper Corp. operated a paper mill in the District of North Cowichan. Catalyst objected to the tax rate that it paid compared to residential ratepayers. In 2009, the ...


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TalkLaw/ParLoi    

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