The intellectual property and new digital trade chapters of the North American Free Trade Agreement are emerging as among the most contentious aspects of the NAFTA renegotiation. For decades, consumers, advocates and technology companies have been stuck in a defensive posture, criticizing more restrictive trade provisions and efforts to impose domestic reforms through trade negotiations. In recent years, however, these groups have been increasingly effective at promoting a positive agenda, including obligations to promote copyright “balance” and protect user rights that underpin the Internet ecosystem. University of Ottawa law professor Michael Geist will examine what a positive, pro-innovation balanced agenda for the digital environment would look like in NAFTA and how it can be achieved.
About the CIGI Global Policy Forum:
The CIGI Global Policy Forum is an exclusive, invitation-only series of talks offering authoritative analysis on policy-relevant issues affecting Canada and its place in the world. Launched in 2012 by The Centre for International Governance Innovation, and held at the Rideau Club in Ottawa, the CIGI Global Policy Forum offers audience members access to a wide range of distinguished speakers: policy experts and influencers shaping the world’s debates and discussions on global economic, security, development and environmental issues.
