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How Restrictive Terms And Technologies Backfired On Sony Bmg , Jeremy F. De Beer

Jeremy de Beer

This short paper addresses the issue of restrictive contractual terms and digital rights management technologies in the music industry, using the recent controversy surrounding Sony BMG Music as a case study. The issues are discussed mainly from a Canadian perspective. Part I provides an overview of the factual and technical background to this story. Part II contains an analysis of the legal consequences of Sony BMG's actions, and offers some insights as to the policy implications for consumer protection, contract and copyright laws.