Micael Geist the Canadian voice on fair rights for the consumer speaks out against US "bullying" of smaller countries to enact draconian laws.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6592133.stmInternet law professor Michael Geist says countries should resist US bullying tactics over copyright and intellectual property.
US dissatisfaction with intellectual property protection typically bears little relation to whether the country actually meets international standards.
For example, this year it is a virtual certainty that Canada will receive special attention, with the U.S. claiming that the country has neglected to address critical issues and suggesting that it is rapidly emerging as a piracy haven.
Not only are the policies suspect, but the USTR report should be seen for what it is - a biased analysis of foreign law supported by a well-orchestrated lobby effort
While the report will generate media headlines and cries for immediate action, the reality is that Canada meets all of its international copyright obligations.
While the USTR and its supporters seek to paint many countries as laggards on copyright, this rhetoric ignores the fact that many of those same countries are compliant with their international obligations.
In fact, of the three highlighted issues (WIPO ratification, copyright extension, and camcording), only three of 192 United Nations members - the US, Singapore, and the Czech Republic - have completed all three so-called reforms.
No country should be in a rush to become the fourth country on that list. The USTR may dole out many failing grades, however, the real failure lies with countries that cave into such bullying by enacting laws that are not in their national interest.
The only hope for those on the receiving end of imflammtory US rhetoric is to decide if they wish to play this same game themselves and withhold vital exports as China is indicating it may do if the US continues its sabre rattling.
