Copyright Modernization Act

Information on downloading pirated materials

Please note that beginning January 1st, 2015, the “Notice and Notice” provisions of the Copyright Modernization Act come into force.

When Novus Entertainment Inc. receives a notice from a copyright holder (for example, a movie studio, a gaming company or a music producer) that the products of the copyright holder have been illegally accessed or downloaded, Novus is obligated to send the notice to the Internet address identified on the notice. Novus is further obligated to confirm to the copyright holder that the notice has been sent to the alleged offender and a log or history of these notifications must be maintained.

The identity of the person with the Internet address is not disclosed to the copyright holder when a confirmation is sent and the Internet service provider is NOT obligated to terminate its service; however, if a copyright holder believes that one party may be responsible for many infringements, it may take legal action which would require the identity of the infringer to be disclosed. If infringement is proven, the copyright holder may seek damages of up to $5,000.

For more information regarding the Copyright Modernization Act please visit the Government of Canada’s website