Access Copyright statement on Copibec/Laval University Settlement Agreement

Tuesday, June 19, 2018

Toronto, June 19 – Access Copyright applauds Copibec and Laval University on reaching a settlement agreement that, once approved by the courts, will deliver an amicable conclusion to litigation between the two organizations.

We are encouraged by the decision Copibec and Laval have made to resolve their differences surrounding content licensing and fair dealing. This will greatly benefit both professors and students, and Canadian creators and publishers by allowing access to content while ensuring fair compensation.

Copibec had filed a class action on behalf of creators and publishers against Laval University, which had ended its licensing relationship with Copibec in 2014 and instead, implemented fair dealing guidelines similar to those adopted by much of the education sector in Canada outside of Quebec, including York University.

In the Federal Court of Canada’s decision issued in July 2017 in the action between Access Copyright and York, it concluded that the guidelines adopted by York are “not fair in either their terms or their application” and “results in the wealth transfer…from copyright owners to educational institutions.”

“The settlement reached between Copibec and Laval demonstrates that we can effectively come together and mend our differences, while avoiding the burden of the cost, time and resources of the court system,“ said Roanie Levy, Access Copyright’s CEO & President. “We hope that this resolution will encourage the education sector to come to the table to collaborate with Canadian creators and publishers to mutually resolve the outstanding issues that exist between us.” 

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For almost 30 years, Access Copyright has facilitated content use for educational and professional purposes.  We have helped people make customized use of published materials combined with an assurance that the original creators and publishers also benefit, so that they can continue creating new and innovative works.  This is vitally important to a strong Canadian culture and to all who rely on quality publications.