Some have noted that since the leaked CETA IP chapter dates from February 2012, the concern is premature since the current EC position may change in light of the recent European Parliament vote to reject ACTA. According to this view, “it’s more than likely that the European Parliament will kill CETA just as (and because of) ACTA was killed last week.”
While a change to the IP chapter would be welcome (I argued it should be removed from CETA altogether), I think the concern is warranted for several reasons.
Second, CETA follows the same secrecy model as was the case with ACTA. No official text has been released and there is every reason to believe that the public will gain official access only after the negotiations have concluded. This will once again mean that the agreement is take-it-or-leave-it, with no scope for renegotiation. Waiting for the final text therefore runs the risk of another battle over ACTA in the European Parliament.
Third, that European Parliament battle will be more difficult than was the case with ACTA. CETA is a massive trade agreement of which intellectual property is only one chapter and the ACTA provisions are only one part of that chapter (there are also enormously problematic patent provisions that would drive up pharmaceutical costs). The agreement touches on virtually all aspects of the economy meaning the pressure on the European Parliament to approve the deal (if it is concluded) will be far stronger than was the case with ACTA.
Fourth, the inclusion of ACTA provisions within another trade agreement is emerging as a preferred model for some countries. As part of the Trans Pacific Partnership talks, there have been reports that Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore (all ACTA signatories) are pushing to include ACTA language within the TPP. Canada and Mexico may well adopt the same approach once they enter the negotiations.
In other words, it isn’t just about ACTA in CETA. While the European Parliament rejected ACTA, Switzerland won’t sign it, and an Australian parliamentary committee has recommended delaying ratification, the efforts to embed the ACTA provisions within new trade agreements is emerging as a core part of the long-term strategy by ACTA supporters.
Agreed
I agree with these points. My reaction was that the panic yesterday was premature, not the concern. It needs to stay on the radar.
Right now, I’m rather sure the European Commission has no idea how to handle the situation in the wake of the ACTA trainwreck. It can basically take two paths: evaluate, learn and choose a new direction, or pretend the ACTA rejection didn’t happen and continue in the same direction anyway. The latter choice is easier, as it doesn’t force confrontation with reality, but it’s also a politically risky move.
Dr. Geist, never let them silence you. You’re the one of the few lights shining on their disgraceful actions.
“We don’t comment on [anything we want to avoid talking about].”
As to whether or not concern is warrented, it’s been pretty well demonstrated when it comes to copyright and patents, the gov. will wreck our country the minute we take our eye off the ball. They are going to do it anyway, but don’t let them get away with making anyone think they speak for Canadians.
Not this again
What is this the fith time in 1 year some f***ing anti-piracy act conned in, all off them so far have no regard towards the civil liberties of the people (us) and are only there to help the multi- million corporations, can somebody please just end all of this so I can not have my privacy threatened anymore.
Added
And in my freaking country, f*** you Steven Harper and your stupid sh**. (our prime minister who we all have no clue why he got majority in our last election)
Since IP in trade agreements have become toxic I see two ways forward:
– Continue as usual and pad it into agreements that the participants don’t want to see fail overall (That has worked well so far! /s).
– Develop stand alone standards that pay heed to regional issues with intelligent flexible guidelines that recognize the desires and needs of the markets instead of the viability of the flailing incumbent industries.
solar pumps
just …….you known why?
http://www.solartech.cn/
Reply to Jack…
“Added
And in my freaking country, f*** you Steven Harper and your stupid sh**. (our prime minister who we all have no clue why he got majority in our last election)”
Jack,
I agree with you, except in that Harper “Technically” didn’t get a Majority… Nevertheless, Harper’s still a dick, and he’s done as far as politics is concerned. He’ll be out, everything he’s messed up will be undone for the most part; it’ll take years, but get done, and he will never sit in a position of authority ever again. He’s done!