Bill C-8 explained in plain English
An Act to amend the Copyright Act and the Trade-marks Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts
Federal Parliament bill summary, status, timeline, sponsor, votes, and official sources.
At a glance
Official Parliament of Canada snapshot for 41st Parliament, 2nd Session. MP vote breakdowns appear when the House of Commons publishes a recorded division export for that bill. Senate and House stage details include official debate/sitting links when LEGISinfo publishes them.
Our plain-language take, written for civic education.
Source: By PoliticalData.ca
Bill C-8 strengthens copyright and trade-mark enforcement by creating new civil and criminal remedies, border measures, and modernizing trade-mark registration processes.
Bill C-8, called the Combating Counterfeit Products Act, amends two Canadian federal laws: the Copyright Act and the Trade-marks Act. The bill received Royal Assent on December 9, 2014. The bill creates new tools to fight copyright infringement and counterfeit goods: **Copyright Enforcement:** - Makes it illegal to export copies made without the copyright owner's permission - Creates new criminal offences for possessing infringing copies for sale, renting, distributing, or importing/exporting them - Allows customs officers to stop goods suspected of infringing copyright at the border - Copyright owners can request assistance from the government to track suspected infringing goods crossing the border - Goods can be held at the border for up to 10 working days (5 days if perishable) so rights owners can take legal action - Copyright owners may have to pay storage costs for detained goods **Trade-mark Enforcement:** - Creates new criminal offences for counterfeiting trade-marks (similar to copyright offences) - Prohibits manufacturing, importing, exporting, or possessing counterfeit goods, labels, and packaging - Allows customs officers to detain goods with suspected counterfeit trade-marks at the border - Trade-mark owners can request government assistance to pursue remedies for counterfeit goods - Similar detention procedures apply to trade-mark violations as to copyright violations **Trade-mark Registration Changes:** - Expands what can be registered as a trade-mark to include colours, sounds, scents, tastes, textures, shapes, and other non-traditional marks - Allows the Registrar to correct obvious errors in the trade-mark register - Streamlines the trade-mark application process by setting clearer filing date rules - Allows applicants to split (divide) trade-mark applications into separate applications for different goods/services - Modernizes opposition procedures for challenging trade-mark applications **Other Changes:** - Exempts personal use items from border enforcement (individuals can import/export copies for personal use) - Adds copyright and trade-mark offences to the Criminal Code so police can use wiretap authorization to investigate serious cases - Amends the Customs Act to allow border officers to share information about detained goods with rights owners The bill also makes various technical changes to the Trade-marks Act to modernize terminology and procedures.
- This draft was normalized from a partial local-model response and must be reviewed before publication.
Adds new offences for possessing, importing, and exporting infringing copies; creates civil infringement for exporting infringing copies; establishes border detention and request for assistance procedures; increases criminal penalties
Expands registrable trade-marks to include non-traditional marks; creates new criminal offences for counterfeit goods, labels, and packaging; adds border enforcement provisions; streamlines application and opposition procedures; allows Registrar to correct errors; modernizes terminology and definitions
Adds copyright infringement offences (section 42 of Copyright Act) and trade-mark counterfeiting offences (section 51.01 of Trade-marks Act) to the list of offences for which police may seek wiretap authorization
Adds provisions allowing customs officers to share information about detained goods with copyright and trade-mark owners who have filed requests for assistance
Removes reference to Trade-marks Act subsection 50(6) from Schedule II (exemptions list)
Changes terminology from 'wares' to 'goods' and 'equipment' for consistency; updates provisions regarding destruction of offending materials
Generated using AI from official bill text. Not legal advice. It is written by PoliticalData.ca for civic education, automatically checked and spot-reviewed before publishing.
Official textThe official summary published alongside the bill, shown exactly as written.
Source: Parliament of Canada (LEGISinfo)
A Legislative Summary is currently being prepared for this bill by the Parliamentary Information and Research Service of the Library of Parliament. A pre-release version of this publication is available to parliamentarians and their staff, and can be obtained by submitting a request or contacting the Library of Parliament. Meanwhile, the following executive summary is available. On 28 October 2013, the Minister of Industry introduced Bill C-8, An Act to amend the Copyright Act and the Trade-marks Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts (Combating Counterfeit Products Act), in the House of Commons and it was given first reading. Counterfeit trademark goods, commonly described as “knock-offs,” closely resemble the legitimate product and bear an imitation or non-genuine trademark. The retail value of counterfeit goods seized by the RCMP increased from $7.6 million in 2005 to $38 million in 2012. Bill C-8 amends the Copyright Act and the Trade-marks Act to add new civil and criminal remedies and new border measures in both Acts, in order to strengthen the enforcement of copyright and trade-mark rights and to curtail commercial activity involving infringing copies and counterfeit trade-marked goods. More specifically, it • creates new civil causes of action with respect to activities that sustain commercial activity in infringing copies and counterfeit trade-marked goods; • creates new criminal offences for trade-mark counterfeiting that are analogous to existing offences in the Copyright Act; • creates new criminal offences prohibiting the possession or export of infringing copies or counterfeit trade-marked goods, packaging or labels; • enacts new border enforcement measures enabling customs officers to detain goods that they suspect infringe copyright or trade-mark rights and allowing them to share information relating to the detained goods with rights owners who have filed a request for assistance, in order to give the rights owners a reasonable opportunity to pursue a remedy in court; • exempts the importation and exportation of copies and goods by an individual for their personal use from the application of the border measures; and • adds the offences set out in the Copyright Act and the Trade-marks Act to the list of offences set out in the Criminal Code for the investigation of which police may seek judicial authorization to use a wiretap. The enactment also amends the Trade-marks Act to, among other things, expand the scope of what can be registered as a trade-mark, allow the Registrar of Trade-marks to correct errors that appear in the trade-mark register, and streamline and modernize the trade-mark application and opposition process.
This is the official summary published by the Parliament of Canada, shown verbatim. Not legal advice. PoliticalData.ca did not write or edit this text.
View on LEGISinfoParliamentary Process
The Senate reset the legislative process for Bill C-8 on November 6, 2014, requiring it to restart its readings and committee stages.
On November 6, 2014, the Senate adopted a motion to declare all previous proceedings on Bill C-8 null and void. This action effectively reset the bill's process in the Senate. Following this, the bill had its first reading again on November 6, 2014, followed by a second reading on November 18, 2014.
The Senate held the first reading of Bill C-8 after adopting a motion to nullify all prior proceedings on the bill due to a necessary correction in clause numbering.
On November 6, 2014, the Senate held its first reading of Bill C-8, an act to amend the Copyright Act and the Trade-marks Act. Before this, a motion was adopted to declare all prior proceedings on Bill C-8 null and void. This action was taken because an alternate parchment version of the bill, with corrected clause numbering, was received from the House of Commons. This correction was necessary due to coordinating amendments in a previously passed budget bill that interacted with Bill C-8. The Senate then proceeded with the first reading of the corrected version of Bill C-8. The sitting also included discussions on various other matters, including tributes, committee reports, government responses, and other legislative items.
This record outlines the procedural progression of Bill C-8 through the Senate, including a motion to void prior proceedings, leading to Royal Assent.
This artifact details the procedural steps for Bill C-8 in the Senate. It shows that the bill was considered at various stages, including first reading, second reading, committee study, report stage, and third reading. Notably, on November 6, 2014, the Senate adopted a motion to declare all prior proceedings on the bill null and void. The bill ultimately received Royal Assent on December 9, 2014. The artifact includes references to specific debates and committee meetings.
During a Senate sitting on November 18, 2014, debate on Bill C-8 concerning copyright and trade-marks was adjourned, and other matters including omnibus bills and tributes were discussed.
On November 18, 2014, the Senate met and heard several discussions. The Senate considered Bill C-8, an Act to amend the Copyright Act and the Trade-marks Act. Debate on Bill C-8 was adjourned. The Senate also heard discussions on other topics including the role of women in World War II, the Nobel Peace Prize, on-reserve housing fire prevention, and the practice of omnibus bills. The Senate adjourned until the next day.
During the Senate's second reading debate on Bill C-8, Senator Tkachuk presented the bill aimed at modernizing intellectual property laws to combat counterfeit products.
On November 18, 2014, the Senate debated Bill C-8, an Act to amend the Copyright Act and the Trade-marks Act. Senator David Tkachuk, acting as the sponsor, delivered a speech outlining the bill's purpose, which is to modernize Canada's intellectual property laws and combat counterfeit products. He highlighted the extent of counterfeit goods, including harmful products like pharmaceuticals and toys, and the financial impact on Canadian businesses. The bill proposes enforcement measures at the border, civil remedies, and criminal actions. Senator Tkachuk emphasized that the bill aims to protect consumers and businesses by stopping counterfeit goods at the source. The debate was adjourned after Senator Tkachuk's speech, meaning it will continue at a later date. Other Senate business included discussions on various other bills and inquiries, as well as a question period about the legislative process.
In the Senate on November 19, 2014, debate occurred on Bill C-8 concerning counterfeit products, which was referred to committee, alongside discussions on children's rights, international trade, Indigenous women, government transparency, and pension plans.
On November 19, 2014, the Senate debated Bill C-8, an act to amend the Copyright Act and the Trade-marks Act. The debate focused on the bill's purpose of combatting counterfeit products and its potential impact on individual rights and international obligations. Senators discussed the existing legislation, the necessity of new measures, and concerns about potential abuses and the expansion of trademark definitions. The bill was subsequently referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce. The sitting also included discussions on the 25th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Canada's international trade relations with China, an art exhibit honoring missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, and a debate on government transparency and expenditures. Additionally, questions were raised regarding target benefit pension plans, specifically concerning negative-option voting.
During the Senate's second reading debate on Bill C-8, Senator Day discussed the bill's purpose of combatting counterfeit products, raised concerns about its urgency and potential abuses, and highlighted areas for improvement before it was referred to committee.
On November 19, 2014, the Senate debated Bill C-8, an act to amend the Copyright Act and the Trade-marks Act, primarily focused on combatting counterfeit products. Senator Joseph A. Day spoke in response to the government's proposal, noting that while the bill aims to address issues like health and safety risks from counterfeit goods, market disruption, and lost revenue, existing legislation already covers some of these areas. He questioned the urgency of the bill, given its lengthy passage through the House of Commons and expressed concerns about the potential for abuse in border seizure requests and the expansion of trademark definitions to include elements like smell. He also commented on the bill's connection to the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement, noting that many countries have not ratified it due to concerns about individual rights. Despite these concerns, Senator Day indicated he was not convinced the bill should be rejected outright and looked forward to studying it further in committee. Following the debate, the bill was referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce, which was authorized to meet during a Senate sitting.
This record details the Senate's committee consideration of Bill C-8, including a motion to void prior proceedings and subsequent stages leading to royal assent.
The Senate engaged in several sittings between November 2013 and December 2013 for the committee to consider Bill C-8. Later, on November 6, 2014, the Senate adopted a motion to declare all previous proceedings on Bill C-8 null and void. Following this, Bill C-8 underwent further readings and committee consideration in the Senate, culminating in royal assent on December 9, 2014.
The Senate's Banking, Trade and Commerce Committee reported Bill C-8 without amendment, scheduling it for third reading.
On December 4, 2014, the Senate was in session. During this sitting, the Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce presented its seventh report concerning Bill C-8, an act to amend the Copyright Act and the Trade-marks Act. The committee reported the bill without amendment, and it was placed on the Order of the Day for third reading at the next sitting. The sitting also included tributes, statements on various national and international issues, tabling of reports, and debates on several other bills.
The Senate completed the third reading of Bill C-8, which amended the Copyright Act and Trade-marks Act, after a motion declared prior proceedings void, leading to its royal assent.
This artifact details the "Third reading" stage for Bill C-8 in the Senate, which was completed on December 9, 2014. The process involved several readings and committee considerations in both the House of Commons and the Senate. A notable procedural event occurred on November 6, 2014, when the Senate adopted a motion to declare all prior proceedings on Bill C-8 null and void. Following this, the bill went through a new process of readings and committee work in the Senate, culminating in its approval at the third reading stage on December 9, 2014. The bill ultimately received royal assent on the same date, becoming chapter 32 of the Statutes of Canada 2014. The provided text also notes speeches related to the bill's second reading in the Senate.
On December 8, 2014, the Senate held a sitting that included third reading debate on Bill C-8 concerning counterfeit goods, a motion to prevent the repeal of unproclaimed legislation, and debates on other bills and committee studies.
This document is a record of a Senate sitting on December 8, 2014. The sitting included debates and procedural actions related to several bills and motions. Notably, there was a debate on Bill C-8, concerning amendments to the Copyright Act and the Trade-marks Act to combat counterfeit products. Senators discussed the bill's provisions, its potential impacts, and concerns raised by witnesses, including the cost burden on rights holders and issues with the scope of enforcement. Another significant part of the sitting involved a motion to prevent the repeal of certain provisions in various Acts that had not yet come into force. The Senate also heard debates on Bill S-219 (Journey to Freedom Day Bill), Bill C-483 (Corrections and Conditional Release Act amendments), and a motion concerning the study of agricultural programs. Other procedural items included notices of motions for time allocation on Bill C-8 and Bill C-13, and the adjournment of debates on several matters.
On December 9, 2014, the Senate debated and passed Bill C-8 at its third reading, and later that day, Bill C-8 received Royal Assent.
This document summarizes the Senate proceedings on December 9, 2014. The main legislative action was the third reading and passage of Bill C-8, an Act to amend the Copyright Act and the Trade-marks Act. Other discussions included debates on multiple other bills, committee reports, and various notices of motions. The sitting concluded with the Royal Assent ceremony for several bills, including Bill C-8.
On December 9, 2014, the Senate concluded the third reading of Bill C-8, leading to its eventual Royal Assent.
During the third reading of Bill C-8 in the Senate on December 9, 2014, senators debated and ultimately passed the bill. The debate included discussions on various other matters before the Senate, such as chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency, national security studies, access to information fees, carbon taxes, the Iraq combat mission, and appropriation bills. The text indicates that Royal Assent was later received for Bill C-8, signifying its passage into law. The discussion at third reading specifically focused on procedural aspects and the bill's passage, not on the substantive details of the amendments to the Copyright Act and Trade-marks Act.
Bill C-8, an act to amend the Copyright Act and the Trade-marks Act, completed first reading in the House of Commons on October 28, 2013, went through further legislative stages in both the House and Senate, and received Royal Assent on December 9, 2014.
This record details the initial procedural steps for Bill C-8 in the House of Commons, starting with its first reading on October 28, 2013. It then outlines subsequent stages including second reading, committee study, report stage, and third reading, which occurred on various dates. The bill later moved to the Senate, where a procedural motion declared all prior proceedings on the bill null and void. Ultimately, the bill received Royal Assent on December 9, 2014, becoming chapter 32 of the Statutes of Canada 2014.
On October 28, 2013, the House of Commons held a sitting that included the introduction and initial debate on Bill C-8, alongside discussions on other government business and statements by members.
This document is a record of a House of Commons sitting on October 28, 2013. It primarily details the introduction and first reading debate for Bill C-8, An Act to amend the Copyright Act and the Trade-marks Act. The debate also included discussions on various other government bills and issues raised by Members of Parliament.
This artifact details the House of Commons' second reading of Bill C-8 on October 28, 2013, which was agreed to and sent to committee, and outlines the bill's subsequent legislative journey to Royal Assent.
This artifact describes the House of Commons' second reading stage for Bill C-8, which occurred on October 28, 2013. During this stage, the bill was agreed to and referred to a committee for further consideration. The provided text also outlines subsequent stages of the bill's progression through both the House of Commons and the Senate, including committee reviews, report stages, and third readings, culminating in Royal Assent on December 9, 2014. Notably, a procedural motion in the Senate on November 6, 2014, declared all prior proceedings on Bill C-8 in that chamber null and void.
On October 28, 2013, the House of Commons debated Bill C-4 (Economic Action Plan 2013 Act No. 2), and introduced Bill C-8 (Combating Counterfeit Products Act), alongside discussions on numerous other topics.
This record details a sitting of the House of Commons on October 28, 2013. The sitting included debates on private members' business, government orders (specifically Bill C-4, the Economic Action Plan 2013 Act No. 2), statements by members on various topics, and oral questions. A significant portion of the debate was dedicated to Bill C-4, with numerous members from different parties speaking about its various provisions, including its economic impact, its handling of public service matters, and its broad scope. The sitting also saw the introduction of Bill C-8, the Combating Counterfeit Products Act.
Bill C-8 completed its committee consideration stage in the House of Commons.
This record indicates that Bill C-8 underwent consideration by a committee in the House of Commons on several dates between November 4, 2013, and December 5, 2013. The stage is marked as completed.
The House of Commons session on December 5, 2013, included the presentation of a committee report on Bill C-8 and extensive debate on Bill C-15, the Northwest Territories Devolution Act, where members discussed devolution principles and specific concerns about resource management and governance structures, alongside other matters.
On December 5, 2013, the House of Commons considered Bill C-8. During the Consideration in committee stage, a report from the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology was presented regarding Bill C-8. The debate also touched on other government orders and private members' business, including discussions related to rail transportation, pensions, consumer protection, national defence, natural resources, foreign affairs, the environment, search and rescue, small business, international trade, and northern sovereignty. The focus of the debate was on the process and content of Bill C-15, the Northwest Territories Devolution Act, with various members expressing support for the principle of devolution but raising concerns about specific aspects of the bill, particularly regarding changes to the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act and the proposed single superboard. There was also a significant portion of the sitting dedicated to statements and oral questions concerning various other matters before the House.
The House of Commons Report stage for Bill C-8 was completed on January 31, 2014, and the bill eventually received Royal Assent on December 9, 2014, though a procedural motion in the Senate later declared all prior proceedings on the bill null and void.
This record details the House of Commons Report stage for Bill C-8, which occurred on January 31, 2014. This stage was completed. The bill later received Royal Assent on December 9, 2014, becoming chapter 32 of the Statutes of Canada, 2014. A separate note indicates that in the Senate, on November 6, 2014, all prior proceedings on Bill C-8 were declared null and void. The provided text also lists various stages of the bill's progression through both the House of Commons and the Senate, including first and second readings, committee considerations, and third readings, along with specific dates.
The House of Commons debated and passed Bill C-8, the Combating Counterfeit Products Act, at the report and third reading stages, with discussions focusing on the bill's measures to combat counterfeit goods and concerns about resource allocation for enforcement.
On January 31, 2014, the House of Commons debated Bill C-8, the Combating Counterfeit Products Act, at the report stage. The House moved without debate to the question on the motion to concur in the bill. The motion was agreed to. Subsequently, the House moved directly to the third reading of the bill, which was also agreed to. The debate included discussion of the bill's provisions to strengthen enforcement against counterfeit goods through new civil and criminal offences and border measures, as well as concerns raised by opposition members regarding the implementation of the bill in light of budget cuts to border services and the RCMP.
The House of Commons completed third reading of Bill C-8, which later received Royal Assent.
The House of Commons completed its third reading of Bill C-8, An Act to amend the Copyright Act and the Trade-marks Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts, on October 2, 2014. This stage involves a final debate and vote on the bill in its current form. The bill later received Royal Assent on December 9, 2014.
During the third reading debate of Bill C-8 in the House of Commons, Members of Parliament discussed the bill's measures to combat counterfeit products, with concerns raised about enforcement resources and data collection, while the government affirmed its commitment to equipping agencies.
During the House of Commons debate on Bill C-8, Members of Parliament discussed its provisions related to combating counterfeit products. Key themes included the bill's aim to strengthen enforcement of copyright and trademark rights, the impact of counterfeit goods on consumers and businesses, and the proposed new civil and criminal offenses and border measures. Opposition members raised concerns about the adequacy of resources for enforcement agencies, particularly in light of budget cuts, and the need for better data collection on counterfeiting. The government maintained that the bill provides necessary tools and that enforcement agencies would be equipped to implement it.
On June 19, 2014, the House of Commons debated the Rouge National Urban Park Act, the Prohibiting Cluster Munitions Act, and the Combating Counterfeit Products Act, alongside other parliamentary business and oral question periods, culminating in Royal Assent for multiple bills.
This document is a record of a House of Commons sitting on June 19, 2014, that included debate on various bills and other parliamentary business. Key discussions revolved around the creation of the Rouge National Urban Park, the Prohibiting Cluster Munitions Act, and the Combating Counterfeit Products Act. There were also statements by members on diverse topics, oral questions directed to ministers, and procedural matters like the tabling of petitions and the adjournment of debate. The sitting concluded with Royal Assent being given to several bills.
On September 19, 2014, Members of Parliament debated Bill C-8 at its third reading in the House of Commons, discussing its provisions against counterfeit goods and expressing concerns about enforcement and government resource allocation.
This record details a debate in the House of Commons on September 19, 2014, concerning Bill C-8, An Act to amend the Copyright Act and the Trade-marks Act. Members of Parliament from the Liberal and New Democratic parties spoke, expressing support for the bill's intent to combat counterfeit products but raising concerns about its implementation and the government's approach to amendments and resource allocation for border services. Specific examples were given to illustrate the impact of counterfeiting on businesses and consumers. The debate also touched upon broader government spending and policies, including those related to border control, taxation, and specific industries.
During a House of Commons debate on Bill C-8, the Combating Counterfeit Products Act, MPs discussed the bill's proposed changes to copyright and trade-mark law, debated amendments, and raised concerns about enforcement resources.
This is a record of the House of Commons debate on October 2, 2014, concerning Bill C-8, the Combating Counterfeit Products Act. The debate included members of Parliament discussing the bill's provisions, amendments proposed by various parties (particularly the NDP and Liberals), and concerns about the enforcement of the act, especially in light of budget cuts to border services. The sitting also included other House business, such as the presentation of petitions and debates on other bills like the Rouge National Urban Park Act and the Nááts’ihch’oh National Park Reserve Act.
We don't have a plain-language summary for Royal assent yet. The official source linked below is the full record.
We don't have a plain-language summary for Debates of the Senate yet. The official source linked below is the full record.
Debate and sitting links point to official parliamentary sources when LEGISinfo publishes them. Any plain-language discussion summaries should be generated from those official texts and reviewed before public display.
Vote Summary
This bill does not have a published recorded division in the current official sources, so representative-by-representative vote counts are not shown.
No published representative vote breakdown
The current official sources do not publish a recorded division breakdown for this bill, so there is no representative-by-representative table to show.
Official sources
Status, sponsor, votes, and timeline on this page are drawn from these official legislative sources and public records. Each summary above is attributed to its own source.
How this data is sourced