Access Copyright and the Proposed Model Copyright Licence Agreement: A Shakespearean Tragedy

Abstract

Copyright law amended in Canada -- users' rights to deal fairly with works for the purposes of research and private study -- whether teachers could make photocopies for distribution to students -- Proposed Model Licence (PAC) with Access Copyright (AC) -- issues resulting from contracts with AC -- PAC was modelled on the proposed tariff -- timing of the deadline for universities to agree to the PAC licence -- assumptions regarding the best means of mitigating risk -- narrow calculation of what risk of litigation and liability might entail -- destabilise Access Copyright's market position as the best means of ensuring fair access to works for educational institutions.