Moot Report 2026: Canadian Copyright Policy Moot a first for Robson Hall

For the first time ever, Robson Hall fielded a team for the Copyright Policy Moot jointly organized by two Government of Canada departments: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada & Canadian Heritage. This moot occurs once every two years and asks students to prepare policy recommendations in the form of a Memorandum to Cabinet to modernize Canada’s Copyright Act. Students then present on their recommendations and respond to questions from a panel of judges from the relevant government departments. Students are free to choose their own subject matter from the many areas of concern in copyright law.

The team, which consisted of Cole Hutchison (2L), Maria Pepelassis (3L), and Brannen McKenzie-Lefurgey (3L), chose an ambitious agenda of amending the Copyright Act to respond to technological protection measures (also known as digital locks) that lock down online content like news websites and streaming platforms. The team submitted their written Memorandum to Cabinet at the beginning of March and quickly began preparations for the online preliminary rounds. After a successful performance, the team was invited to Ottawa as one of four finalist teams, for the final rounds on March 20, 2026. It was the first time that a team from outside of Ontario or Quebec had ever participated in the finals of the competition; organizers were very excited to have Robson Hall participate!

The team performed extremely well and responded admirably to heavy questioning from the distinguished judging panel, which included Government of Canada departmental directors and Assistant Deputy Ministers, as well as senior officials from the Canadian Intellectual Property Office and the Copyright Board of Canada. Although they were not victorious, they made Robson Hall extremely proud in their first ever showing at this national competition! They also had the amazing opportunity to take in part of the Facebook Inc. v. Privacy Commissioner of Canada hearing at the Supreme Court of Canada.

Many thanks to those who assisted the team in their preparations, including Julia Ryckman (Filmore Riley, LLP), Dr. Gillian MacNeil (Associate Professor, UM Faculty of Law), Daniel Diamond (Assistant Professor, UM Faculty of Law), and the 2026 Fox IP Moot team!