TORONTO, ONTARIO – (June 29, 2017) – The Canadian Publishers’ Council (CPC) lauds the Supreme Court of Canada’s ruling in Google Inc. v. Equustek Solutions Inc. et al. upholding an injunction order made by the British Columbia Supreme Court that requires Google to de-index websites that promote the sale of stolen intellectual property. CPC, along with the Association of Canadian Publishers, were interveners in the case.
“This ruling strengthens our members’ ability to stop the widespread online infringement of their works, and recognizes the important role Internet intermediaries such as search engines play in the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights,” said James Reeve, CPC President. CPC seeks to uphold freedom of expression to the greatest extent possible and applauds the Supreme Court’s refusal in this decision to accept that the facilitation of the unlawful sale of goods constitutes a form of free speech worthy of protection.
Founded in 1910, the Canadian Publishers’ Council (CPC) represents the interests of publishing companies that provide critical resources for elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, professional and reference markets, and the retail and library sectors. Members employ more than 3,000 Canadians and collectively account for nearly three-quarters of all domestic sales of English-language books in Canada, with a significant presence in French-language publishing in Quebec.
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For further information contact:
David Swail
Executive Director
dswail@pubcouncil.ca
Media Release: SCCRuling