Google Refines Searches
Google has announced that they will be updating their search algorithms, prioritizing legitimate sources for film and music over sites that have received remove notices.
This will enable people to find sources and avoid some of the less secure sites, some of which have viruses and malware.
A counter-notification process will also be offered to individuals whose sites have been wrongfully flagged.
The Gift Card Savings Continue
Starting today and ending August 16th, a four pack of $15 iTunes gift cards will be available at some Future Shop locations for $48.
Though listed with a webID, these cards don’t appear to be available though their online store. But you can buy gift cards online by clicking on the following banner.
Music Download Offer Starting On Friday
Real Canadian Superstore shoppers in Ontario that use iTunes Canada should note that a coupon for $10 off a $50 gift card can be found in next week’s flyer.
It will be valid from July 27th to August 2nd, 2012 at Real Canadian Superstore, Atlantic Superstore and Loblaws Locations in Ontario so the coupon could pop up elsewhere as well.
The coupon is valid on $50 iTunes Canada Music or App Card.
No Royalties On Music Previews
The Supreme Court Of Canada has ruled that music previews comply to the definition of Fair Dealing in the Copyright Act and cannot therefore be subjected to the collection of royalties.
“Research” need not be for creative purposes only. Permitting only creative purposes to qualify as “research” would ignore the fact that one of the objectives of the Copyright Act is the dissemination of the works themselves. Limiting “research” to creative purposes would also run counter to the ordinary meaning of “research”, which includes many activities that do not require the establishment of new facts or conclusions. The fair dealing exception must not be interpreted restrictively and “research” must be given a large and liberal interpretation.
The Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada, Canadian Recording Industry Association and CMRRA-SODRAC Inc had wished to collect royalties from internet providers for both previews and full music downloads, the latter also having been dismissed by another ruling by the Supreme Court of Canada today.
These royalties would have resulted in major expenditures for internet providers, who would have passed these on to the consumer.