CBC Threatens to Sue Developer of Canadian Radio Player

An interesting development has ensued between the CBC and Canadian developer, Cory Alder of Vancouver. He developed an app titled Canadian Radio Player, available in the Mac App Store for $2.99, to enable CBC radio streams on your Mac, from anywhere.

Originally, the app contained a reference to the CBC and use of its logo, but was soon changed. The CBC isn’t happy about this app, and has fired off a cease and decist letter, citing copyright infringement:

“Again, your unauthorized use of CBC’s marks and content (i.e. re-distribution of CBC’s radio content) infringes on CBC’s intellectual property. To be clear, CBC objects to your use, repackaging, and sale of CBC’s marks and radio content without authority.” [letter]

Dave has since given his side of the story on his blog and is bewildered, noting the irony of his own tax dollars are being used to pay for the CBC lawyer being used against him.

“They are citing copyright infringement but they can’t actually point to anything specific…this story is of concern to all Canadians, because it’s about our public broadcaster trying to control how we listen to their broadcasts…I believe this exemplifies that, at least their legal department, has a hostile attitude towards openness and access to content.”

What do you think? Does CBC have a case here or is this developer being treated unfairly by the CBC?

[via Toronto Sun]

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