Canada placed on USTR Watchlist - IFPI statement

30th April 2009

John Kennedy, Chairman and CEO of IFPI, said:

"It is very unfortunate but correct that Canada has been placed on the United States Special 301 list of countries that offer inadequate protection for intellectual property. For many years it has been difficult to understand why Canada has not modernised its copyright framework in line with accepted international standards. The delay has helped create a culture in Canada in which creators' rights are insufficiently protected, and that in turn has damaged the creative sector and held back the development of a legitimate digital music business. Music companies working and investing Canada are hoping that the Government will now act quickly and decisively to fix the problem."

The complete 2009 Special 301 Report is online here

For further information contact:
IFPI London - Adrian Strain or Alex Jacob
Tel: +44 (0)20 7878 7935
Email: press-office@ifpi.org